Full Breakdown
Norway Bench Erling Haaland for Group I Finale Against France
6/27/2026, 12:30:30 AM
The Decision to Rest Haaland
Norway’s coach Ståle Solbakken announced that ten players, including striker Erling Haaland, will be rested for the Group I finale against France on June 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
Background & Context
Norway entered the tournament unbeaten (2-0-0, +4 goal difference) and secured its first World Cup knockout berth since 1998. France matched Norway’s record (2-0-0, +5) and leads the group on goal-difference. Both sides have qualified for the round of 32, but the group winner faces a third-place team, while the runner-up meets Ivory Coast.
Key Figures
The central figures are striker Erling Haaland (Manchester City, four World Cup goals), captain Martin Ødegaard, and coach Ståle Solbakken for Norway; and forward Kylian Mbappé (four goals), coach Didier Deschamps (absent), assistant Guy Stéphan, defender William Saliba (injured), and midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni for France. Former Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic voiced criticism of Norway’s approach.
Data & Statistics
Both teams sit on six points. France leads on goal difference (+5 vs. Norway’s +4). In the Golden Boot race Haaland, Mbappé and Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior each have four goals; Lionel Messi leads with five. Haaland’s brace against Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2) gave Norway a 64.5 % win rate with him, dropping to 33.3 % without.
Why It Matters
A Norwegian win would crown the group, granting a round-of-32 opponent drawn from third-place teams, which analysts deem a softer path than the runner-up route against Ivory Coast. Haaland’s reduced minutes also jeopardise his bid to overtake Messi for the Golden Boot.
Official Statements & Responses
Solbakken said the round-of-32 is the priority, calling the tournament a “pressure cooker” and stressing the need for mental and physical rest. Haaland told Fox Sports he “couldn’t care too much” about the France match, emphasizing Norway’s qualification. France’s assistant Guy Stéphan confirmed Deschamps’ absence after his mother’s death and noted William Saliba’s injury-related omission. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni suggested Haaland’s comments were likely “kidding” and warned of a “tough battle.”
Criticism & Opposition
Zlatan Ibrahimovic condemned the rotation, saying Norway “have a chance to top the group and get easier knockout opponents, yet they’re scared before the game.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on Haaland’s expected involvement. ESPN, Field Level Media and UPI list him among ten rested players, implying he will start on the bench. Fansided notes he could be subbed in, while other outlets simply state he will not start. No source confirms whether he will actually enter the match.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Honestly, I don’t care much [about the France game],” — Erling Haaland, Fox Sports
- “but the most important is the round of 32.” — Ståle Solbakken, Norway coach
- “He is very affected,” — Guy Stéphan, France assistant coach
- “Norway have a chance to top the group and get easier knockout opponents, yet they’re scared before the game,” — Zlatan Ibrahimovic, former Sweden striker
