France manager Didier Deschamps has said that the FIFA World Cup tournament represents an outlet for him to overcome the ordeal of his mother's death.
Deschamps returned to France to attend his mother's funeral, causing him to miss France's 4-1 victory over Norway in the final round of group-stage matches, but he returned to lead the team against Sweden on Tuesday in the round of 32.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the French manager said: "It is good to always stay busy. My time away from the team was in the interest of the squad and in my own interest, but I am here now and I am doing well."
France midfielder Adrien Rabiot said that the 2026 World Cup would serve as a form of therapy for Deschamps, who will step down from leading Les Bleus after the tournament, having been part of the country's World Cup triumph as a player in 1998 and as a manager in 2018.
Rabiot, 31, added: "Deschamps has come back and he has a strong desire to go as far as possible in the tournament, which will help him get through his ordeal."
The French player added: "We are aware of what he is going through right now, and we are trying to support him in these difficult moments."
Numerous media reports have suggested that Zinedine Zidane will be Deschamps's successor as France manager.
France will face Sweden without substitute striker Marcus Thuram.
Deschamps said: "Thuram will not be available due to muscle pain, but it is not a serious injury."
Doubts also hang over the fitness of veteran midfielder N'Golo Kanté, while centre-back William Saliba's participation has been confirmed after he had been suffering from back pain.
Deschamps concluded: "Saliba has not yet fully regained his fitness, but if he is ready at 99%, that is good and is an indicator of his readiness for the match."