No Kylian Mbappe vs Erling Haaland? Norway star set to be rested vs France in FIFA World Cup 2026
(Courtesy : Getty)
Both France and Norway have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 RO32.
There may not be the Kylian Mbappé vs Erling Haaland showdown that football fans across the world were hoping to witness tonight. With both France and Norway already through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, Norway are expected to rotate their squad, and reports suggest Haaland could begin the match on the bench.
The Manchester City striker has enjoyed a dream start to his first FIFA World Cup, scoring four goals in two matches to fire Norway into the knockout stage. However, with a demanding knockout schedule approaching, Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has hinted that fresh legs could be prioritised over risking his biggest star.
The coach recently stressed the importance of managing player workload after several members of the squad struggled physically during the win over Senegal.
Who could replace Erling Haaland against France?
According to reports from L’Équipe, Jørgen Strand Larsen is the leading candidate to start as Norway’s central striker if Haaland is rested. Captain Martin Odegaard is still expected to lead the midfield, while Kristoffer Ajer and goalkeeper Orjan Nyland are also likely to keep their places.
Norway need a victory to leapfrog France and finish top of Group I. France currently lead the standings on goal difference, meaning a draw would be enough for Les Bleus to remain group winners.
Haaland’s World Cup form has been sensational
Even if he starts on the bench, Haaland heads into the match as one of the tournament’s standout performers. The 25-year-old struck twice against Iraq on his World Cup debut before repeating the feat against Senegal, taking his tally to four goals in just two appearances.
Those performances have placed him firmly in the Golden Boot race alongside Kylian Mbappé. Haaland also became only the second player in the last five decades to score multiple goals in each of his first two FIFA World Cup appearances, underlining the remarkable impact he has made on football’s biggest stage. Should he feature off the bench against France, he will still have the opportunity to extend an extraordinary scoring streak and help Norway chase a historic first-place finish in Group I.
Will Erling Haaland start for Norway against France tonight?
Reports suggest Erling Haaland is expected to start on the bench as Norway consider rotating their squad after securing qualification for the Round of 32.
How many goals has Erling Haaland scored at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Haaland has scored four goals in his first two World Cup matches.
Has Norway already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage?
Yes. Norway secured qualification after consecutive victories over Iraq and Senegal.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.