Deschamps back with France after mother's funeral ahead of Sweden clash

Deschamps returns after his mother's funeral

Didier Deschamps is back with the squad. The France coach rejoined training on Saturday after attending his mother's funeral (1). France beat Norway 4–1 in the group stage on Friday, and Deschamps was not on the touchline for it. "The players were very affected," he said (1). His return comes just ahead of the round of 16 match against Sweden on Tuesday.

Sweden await in the last 16

Your next opponent is set. Sweden face France on Tuesday, June 30, in the round of 16 (2). The Swedish defence has looked shaky, and they are missing a key starter through injury (2). Isak and Gyökeres are the names to watch, but the backline behind them is vulnerable.

20 Haaland lookalikes showed up, Haaland didn't

A streamer called PlaqueBoyMax brought 20 Erling Haaland lookalikes to the Norway match on Friday, hoping to see the real one play. Haaland stayed on the bench the whole game. Norway lost 1–4. "He's not playing?" the streamer asked, visibly disappointed (4). Norway's coach later defended resting Haaland, calling it a "no-brainer."

Fan reactions

French fans have been focused on the Sweden matchup and what gaps in the Swedish defence mean for Mbappé and the attack. Norway's decision to rest Haaland has drawn more discussion among neutrals, with many seeing it as a sensible call given the circumstances. Read more on r/worldcup