Norway coach Stale Solbakken rested ten starters, including Erling Haaland, for the group match against France. Medical scans showed fatigue after the 4‑1 loss to Senegal, prompting a precautionary line‑up. Fans in Foxborough chanted for the striker, but Solbakken said protecting players for the knockout round was “a no‑brainer.” and the decision sparked debate among pundits.

Norway fell 4‑1 to the World Cup favorites, finishing runners‑up in Group I and setting up a round‑of‑32 clash with Ivory Coast. Solbakken explained that five or six players were “very affected” after 80 minutes against Senegal, leaving little recovery time before the France game. The decision aimed to preserve squad freshness for the next hurdle. Solbakken also warned that further rotation could jeopardize cohesion.

While supporters lamented missing a duel between Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, the coach maintained that the squad’s longevity outweighs a single star’s appearance. He noted that Ødegaard and other leaders understand the trade‑off, and that Norway’s aim remains advancing beyond the last‑16. He stressed that a fresh backline could be decisive against the Ivorian attack. The rested players will be available for Tuesday’s match against Ivory Coast.