Norway Makes 10 Changes to Starting Lineup Ahead of France Clash

Final Match of Group I at the 2026 World Cup

According to Главком: France faced Norway in the concluding Group I fixture of the 2026 World Cup. With their playoff spot already secured, Norway opted for a major squad overhaul, making ten alterations to their starting eleven compared to the previous match against Senegal. Head coach Ståle Solbakken kept most of his key players on the bench. Fredrik Aursnes was the only player to retain his place in the lineup.

This rotation made history, as Norway became only the fourth team in World Cup history to make at least ten changes to their starting lineup between two consecutive matches. The previous instances were:

• Spain against Saudi Arabia in 2002
• Belgium against Japan in 2018
• Brazil against South Korea in 2022

France, meanwhile, finished top of the group, securing their spot in the Round of 16 where they will face Sweden. Norway ended the group stage in second place and will now play against Ivory Coast.

Scoring Race Heats Up

In the race for the Golden Boot, Erling Haaland remained on four goals, while Ousmane Dembélé matched him after scoring a hat-trick. Lionel Messi continues to lead the scoring chart with five goals. This match was a significant event for both France and Norway, particularly in terms of preparation for the tournament's later stages.

Norway's squad rotation highlights the team's strategic approach, aiming to preserve the energy of their star players for the more crucial playoff matches. This could boost their chances in upcoming games, as rested players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills against Ivory Coast. At the same time, France, as group leaders, continue to reinforce their status as one of the tournament favorites, giving them confidence ahead of their meeting with Sweden.

Following Norway's significant squad changes, the team's performance against France raised questions about their strategy. For a detailed analysis of how France managed to secure a convincing win over Norway, check out our coverage of the match, highlighting key moments and player performances. France's commanding 4-1 victory showcased their dominance in the tournament, setting the stage for the knockout rounds.