Norway will face France without their star players Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Alexander Sorloth in the starting lineup for their final FIFA World Cup group stage match on Friday at Foxborough, Massachusetts. The decision, made by head coach Stale Solbakken, aims to rest key players ahead of the Round of 32, according to Reuters.
Norway's Strategic Resting
Solbakken's move to bench Haaland, Odegaard, and Sorloth reflects a focus on the knockout stages. Norway has already secured advancement, allowing the coach to prioritize player fitness. The starting XI includes goalkeeper Egil Selvik, defenders Leo Ostigard, Fredrik Bjorkan, and Henrik Falchener, midfielder Patrick Berg, and forwards Kristian Thorstvedt, Thelo Aasgaard, Andreas Schjelderup, Oscar Bobb, Fredrik Aursnes, and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
France's Lineup and Coaching Change
France, led by assistant coach Guy Stephan in place of head coach Didier Deschamps, who returned home for his mother's funeral, fields a strong starting eleven. Kylian Mbappe starts alongside Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Desire Doue. The defense features Mike Maignan in goal, Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, and Theo Hernandez, with Manu Kone and Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield.
Match Context
This match is the final group stage encounter for both teams. Norway's decision to rest stars indicates confidence in their squad depth. France, despite the absence of Deschamps, aims to secure a win to improve their group standing. The match takes place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, with kickoff scheduled for Friday evening.
