Norway's Key Players Rested in Final Group Stage Match Against France

In a strategic move, Norway's coach Stale Solbakken has decided to rest key players such as Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard for their last group stage match against France. This decision comes as the team prepares for the upcoming Round of 32. Meanwhile, France will see Kylian Mbappe in action, with assistant coach Guy Stephan stepping in for Didier Deschamps, who is attending a family funeral. The match promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams as they finalize their strategies for the knockout stages.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 00:26 IST

Norway vs. France: Key Player Updates

In a significant decision, Norway's coach Stale Solbakken has opted to rest prominent players such as Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Alexander Sorloth for their concluding FIFA World Cup group stage clash against France, taking place at Foxborough on Friday.

This strategic move aims to preserve the team's strength ahead of the Round of 32.

On the French side, Kylian Mbappe will be taking the field, while assistant coach Guy Stephan will lead the team in the absence of head coach Didier Deschamps, who is attending his mother's funeral.

Norway's lineup includes: Egil Selvik; Leo Ostigard, Fredrik Bjorkan, Henrik Falchener, Patrick Berg; Kristian Thorstvedt, Thelo Aasgaard, Andreas Schjelderup, Oscar Bobb, Fredrik Aursnes; Jorgen Strand Larsen.

France's starting players are: Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, Theo Hernandez; Manu Kone, Aurelien Tchouameni; Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Desire Doue; Ousmane Dembele.