2026 World Cup: Deschamps in mourning; Charlie Hebdo cartoon sparks outrage in France

Anger and outrage in France over a cartoon in the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo depicting Les Bleus head coach Didier Deschamps. The former Juventus coach, who won the 2018 World Cup with the French national team, had to return home to attend the funeral of his mother, Ginette, who died at the age of 86.

France was led by Deschamps’ assistant, Guy Stephan, in their final group stage match against Norway, while the head coach will return to the bench as usual at the start of the knockout stage, which will see the French face Sweden next Tuesday.

The well-known satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo angered fans by publishing a cartoon depicting Deschamps raising his mother’s urn toward the sky with the caption “Deschamps brings home the cup.” Many considered the image to be in poor taste. The Federation has come to its coach’s defense, and several politicians have also criticized the newspaper.

“This cartoon shocked me. We were all Charlie, but I found it very inappropriate toward a man who is going through a difficult time. The FFF supports the utmost freedom of expression, but this cartoon is nonetheless disrespectful and indecent,” the Federation’s president stated on Sunday.

There have been thousands of negative comments on social media, including one from LFI deputy Leaument: “It’s not funny. You have to be insensitive to others’ pain to laugh at it and publish something like this. Deschamps isn’t just a public figure—he’s a grieving son. Is a little respect too much to ask?”