Norway starting lineup vs France confirmed as Erling Haaland benched for FIFA World Cup 2026 match

Norway and France last faced each other in 2014 for a friendly.

Norway are set to take on France in the conclusive game of their group stage round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game will be played at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 26. The Vikings and Les Bleus – both sides have already qualified for the knockout stage of the summer competition with two wins in two games.

France, under Didier Deschamps, have been one of the most successful teams in the World Cup in the last two editions, winning one and ending as a runner-up in the other. Les Bleus captain Kylian Mbappé has been a major factor in their success, scoring 16 goals in 16 World Cup matches.

However, in the ongoing campaign, the 27-year-old’s ambition to win his second Golden Boot is being challenged by Norway’s Erling Haaland. Much like Mbappe, the Norwegian attacker has also scored two braces in the two initial games of the 2026 World Cup.

The battle between the two strikers is one of the biggest clashes fans are looking forward to witnessing during their clash.

The Vikings started their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over Iraq and continued their stellar form with a 3-2 win over Senegal. Currently second in Group I on goal difference, they are eyeing the top spot in their return to the global tournament after 28 years.

Also Read: Norway vs France: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026

Norway lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against France

Norway XI (4-2-3-1): Mathias Dyngeland Selvik (GK); Fredrik Bjørkan, Leo Østigård, Stian Gregersen, Kristian Thorstvedt; Patrick Berg, Fredrik Aursnes, Thelo Aasgaard; Andreas Schjelderup, Jørgen Strand Larsen, Oscar Bobb.

Thoughts on the lineup

Ståle Solbakken has decided to discontinue his familiar 4-3-3 and adopt a 4-2-3-1. The Vikings have one of the best attacking line-ups in the World Cup when it comes to finishing. For the final group stage game, Manchester City star Erling Haaland is expected to be rested.

Jørgen Strand Larsen will be the frontman, while Bobb and Schjelderup will take the roles on the flanks. Martin Ødegaard, who played as the creative engine, has also been rested. Patrick Berg, Fredrik Aursnes, and Thelo Aasgaard will support him in controlling the game’s tempo.

In the defence, Kristian Thorstvedt will replace Julian Ryerson. Fredrik Bjørkan, Leo Østigård, and Stian Gregersen are the other players in the defence. Mathias Dyngeland Selvik will keep the gloves.

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