Haaland supports the rotation of Norway against France, says the result would not change
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland defended coach Stale Solbakken’s decision to rotate his squad within the squad Defeat against France 4-1 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the outcome would have been the same even if the strongest line-up had played.
Solbakken made 10 changes to his starting team for the final Group I game, leaving key players including Haaland, Martin Odegaard and Antonio Nusa on the bench.
The move drew criticism from fans and pundits alike, and Norway still have a chance to top the group.
France took full advantage of the changes, displaying a dominant performance to secure victory and top the group.
Despite the criticism, Solbakken stood by his decision, saying his priority was to prepare Norway for the knockout stage.
“I would do it again in a heartbeat,” Solbakken said. “We’re here to go as far as possible and I have to make decisions that I think will take us the farthest. The only thing I feel guilty about is the traveling fans who wanted to see Erling, Martin and the rest of the stars.”
Haaland praises France ahead of the knockout stage
Haaland also backed his manager’s approach, rejecting suggestions that the Norwegian first choice would have had a different result.
“I said up front that I don’t care, and that’s still the case,” Haaland said. “France was the better team anyway. Even with our strongest 11, I don’t think we could beat them.”
The Manchester City striker described France as one of the strongest teams at the tournament and praised the quality of Didier Deschamps’ entire squad.
“France has world-class players everywhere,” Haaland added. “(Kylian) Mbappe, (Michael) Olise, (Ousmane) Dembele… they just keep coming. They’re going to be a problem for any team and I honestly think they can go very far. What they showed against us was scary.”
Norway have already secured qualification for the round of 16 and will now turn their attention to the clash with Ivory Coast.
Solbakken is expected to recall his first-choice players as Norway look to resume their World Cup campaign.
