Erling Haaland Benched as Norway Faces France in Key Clash

In a surprising turn of events, Erling Haaland has been benched for Norway's crucial match against France. Despite his stellar performance in the tournament, Norway's coach has opted for a significant rotation, resting key players. This match is pivotal for both teams as they vie for the top spot in their group. With both teams already qualified, the stakes remain high, and the outcome will determine their paths in the knockout stages. Fans are left wondering how this decision will impact Norway's chances against a formidable French side.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 00:15 IST

Norway's Star Striker Not in Starting Lineup

In a highly anticipated match on Friday (June 26) at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Erling Haaland will not be starting for Norway against France. Despite his impressive performance, scoring four goals in the first two games, he will have to wait for an opportunity to increase his tally and will miss a direct matchup with Kylian Mbappe from the outset. Both players are currently tied as the second-highest scorers in the tournament, each netting two goals in their respective opening matches. The excitement surrounding this clash has been somewhat dampened by Haaland's absence from the starting lineup.

Reasons Behind Haaland's Absence from the Starting XI

Norway's head coach, Ståle Solbakken, has opted for a significant rotation in the squad, resting 10 of the 11 players who started in the previous match. This decision includes captain Martin Ødegaard and goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, with only midfielder Fredrik Aursnes retaining his place in the lineup.

Battle for Group Supremacy

Both Norway and France are vying for the top position in their group, with the winner securing first place and the loser settling for second, although both teams have already qualified for the next stage. A draw would see France finish first and Norway in second. The first-placed team will face Sweden in the Round of 32, potentially leading to a matchup against Germany in the pre-quarterfinals. Conversely, the second-placed team will take on Ivory Coast, and a victory there would set up a clash with the winner of the Brazil vs. Japan match in the Round of 16.

Starting Lineups for France vs. Norway

France's Starting XI: GK: Mike Maignan, DF: Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde, Theo Hernandez, Maxence Lacroix, MF: Manu Kone, Aurelien Tchouameni, FW: Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Desire Doue. Substitutes: Brice Samba, Robin Risser, Malo Gusto, Lucas Digne, Ibrahima Konate, William Saliba, Lucas Hernandez, N'Golo Kante, Adrien Rabiot, Warren Zaire-Emery, Rayan Cherki, Maghnes Akliouche, Marcus Thuram, Bradley Barcola, Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Norway's Starting XI: GK: Egil Selvik, DF: Leo Ostigard, Fredrik Andre Bjorkan, Henrik Falchener, MF: Patrick Berg, Fredrik Aursnes, Kristian Thorstvedt, Thelo Aasgaard, Andreas Schjelderup, Oscar Bobb, FW: Jorgen Strand Larsen. Substitutes: Orjan Nyland, Sander Tangvik, Kristoffer Ajer, David Moller Wolfe, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Torbjorn Heggem, Sondre Langas, Morten Thorsby, Sander Berge, Martin Odegaard, Jens Petter Hauge, Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa, Julian Ryerson.