FIFA has rejected a request from the French Football Federation to wear black armbands honoring the mother of manager Didier Deschamps during their match on Friday, June 26, 2026, according to a report by The Athletic.
The restriction on commemorative armbands was accompanied by a pre-game miscommunication regarding a stadium tribute at the tournament.
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Journalists were initially informed by the federation that a minute of silence would be observed for Deschamps' mother, who is currently absent from the team.
The organization subsequently issued a correction stating that FIFA had dedicated the pre-match silence to the victims of a recent fatal earthquake in Venezuela instead.
France's Campaign Continues
Deschamps has led the French national team since 2012, securing a World Cup championship in 2018 and a second-place finish in 2022.
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The squad continues its campaign as a tournament favorite, with forwards Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé actively competing for the Golden Boot award.
The team advanced with an undefeated 3-0 record in group play following their latest victory.
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France is scheduled to play its next knockout match against a third-place group finisher at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.
