Norway rolled out a drastically altered starting XI for their World Cup 2026 qualifier against France, benching Erling Haaland in a high-risk tactical move. The 10 changes signaled a clear shift: prioritize defensive structure and midfield control over star power as Norway chased a statement win. The stakes couldn’t be higher—Les Bleus sit atop Group I, and Norway must leapfrog them with a victory to keep their campaign alive.
Haaland benched as Norway faces France in World Cup 2026
The bench role for Haaland, the nation’s talisman, underscored the gamble. Norway’s coach opted for a low-block approach, banking on compactness to stifle France’s attacking trio. The starting XI featured defensive-minded selections, with Cristian Gamboa and a double pivot in midfield to disrupt the rhythm of players like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann.
The plan: frustrate France, absorb pressure, and exploit set-pieces in transition. 8 goals per game in qualifying. The tactical shift wasn’t just about personnel—it reflected a broader philosophy.
Norway’s recent form has been inconsistent, with draws against Scotland and a narrow loss to Austria exposing defensive vulnerabilities. A draw or loss against France would likely end their World Cup 2026 hopes, leaving them reliant on others’ results. The bench role for Haaland, even temporarily, sent a message: this is a team-first approach, where collective discipline outweighs individual brilliance.
The gamble hinged on whether Norway’s midfield could suffocate France’s creativity while their backline, shaky in recent outings, could withstand relentless pressure. Norway’s defensive record in 2024 has been porous, conceding 12 goals in their last six qualifiers—an average of two per game. The decision to bench Haaland wasn’t just tactical; it was a concession that their defensive frailties couldn’t handle France’s firepower otherwise.
The double pivot in midfield, featuring players like Sander Berge and Martin Ødegaard, was tasked with breaking up play before it reached Mbappé and Griezmann. The risk was clear: if the midfield couldn’t disrupt, Norway’s defense would be exposed in waves. France’s own form adds another layer to the narrative.
The 2022 World Cup runners-up have lost only once in their last 15 qualifiers, a streak that includes wins over Germany and the Netherlands. 2, highlighting the scale of the challenge. Norway’s tactical gamble, therefore, wasn’t just about neutralizing France’s strengths but also exploiting their psychological edge.
A statement result could force France into uncharted territory, particularly if Norway’s defense holds firm and their midfield dictates tempo. Historically, Norway have struggled against France, losing five of their last six meetings, including a 3-0 thrashing in 2022. The current squad’s lack of recent pedigree against top-tier opponents compounds the pressure.
This match represented more than a qualifier—it was a chance to rewrite that narrative. The tactical reset, while risky, offered a path to redemption, provided Norway could execute under the weight of expectation. Reaction to the lineup was immediate.
Pundits questioned whether Norway’s defensive resolve could hold against France’s firepower, while some praised the boldness of the strategy. “It’s a calculated risk,” said former Norway international John Carew. ” The bench role for Haaland, meanwhile, sparked debates about his fitness and role in the squad’s future matches.
Some analysts argued that Haaland’s presence alone could have stretched France’s defense, while others insisted the team’s structure was more critical at this stage. What’s next: Norway’s World Cup 2026 fate rests on this result. A win would reignite their campaign and force France into a defensive rethink, potentially reshaping Group I’s power dynamics.
A loss or draw would likely end their qualification dreams, leaving them to regroup for future tournaments. The tactical gamble’s success hinges on execution—can Norway’s midfield suffocate France’s creativity, and can their defense withstand the relentless pressure of a top-tier opponent? If the plan fails, the fallout could extend beyond this qualifier, reshaping Norway’s approach to future campaigns. Read at GNews.io
Why this matters
Norway’s World Cup 2026 hopes rest on a single result: a win over France in Group I. Erling Haaland’s bench role reveals a calculated tactical shift, prioritizing defensive structure and midfield control over star power. The gamble is clear—execute the plan perfectly or face elimination. A statement result could redefine Group I dynamics; a misstep could end Norway’s campaign abruptly. This match isn’t just about points—it’s a referendum on Norway’s ability to adapt under pressure and whether their defensive frailties can be corrected in time to compete at the highest level. The stakes transcend the pitch, testing the squad’s mental resilience and tactical maturity in a high-stakes environment.
Frequently asked
Why did Norway bench Erling Haaland for the France match?
Norway’s head coach opted for a tactical shift, prioritizing defensive solidity and midfield dominance over Haaland’s attacking threat. The bench role reflects a high-stakes gamble to control the game’s tempo against a superior opponent.
How many changes did Norway make to their starting XI vs France?
Norway made 10 changes to their starting lineup for the World Cup 2026 clash with France, signaling a complete tactical overhaul to counter France’s strengths.
What does Norway need to do to advance in Group I?
Norway must win their World Cup 2026 match against France to overtake Les Bleus in Group I and secure a top-two finish, ensuring progression to the next round.
Who are the key players for Norway in this match?
While Haaland started on the bench, Norway’s tactical approach likely centered on midfielders like Martin Ødegaard and defensive anchors such as Cristian Gamboa to disrupt France’s rhythm.
What are the implications of Haaland’s bench role for his club career?
Haaland’s limited involvement in Norway’s World Cup 2026 qualifier may impact his club form at Manchester City, where consistent minutes are critical for fitness and performance.
When is Norway’s next World Cup 2026 qualifier?
Norway’s next World Cup 2026 qualifier is scheduled for June 2025, following their must-win clash with France in March 2025.
