The most anticipated individual matchup of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is not happening. At least not today.

France revealed its starting XI for the June 26 Group I fixture against Norway, and the Norwegian response was immediate: Erling Haaland, the most dangerous striker on the planet, will watch from the bench.

Norway manager Ståle Solbakken made the call to rotate heavily, with Haaland joined on the bench by playmaker Martin Ødegaard.

Who is actually playing

France’s lineup is not rotating. Kylian Mbappé is in the starting eleven, supported by a defensive core featuring goalkeeper Mike Maignan, right back Jules Koundé, and center back Dayot Upamecano.

Norway, meanwhile, is sending out a significantly reshuffled attack. Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup, and Jørgen Strand Larsen will lead the line in place of Haaland and Ødegaard. Five players rotated out of Norway’s starting lineup altogether.

Why Norway is doing this

Both France and Norway entered this match with strong records in Group I, which also includes Iraq and Senegal. When a team is already in a comfortable position in the group, the calculus on resting key players shifts.

Solbakken is essentially making a trade: accept a potentially weaker result today in exchange for a fresher, more dangerous squad when the knockout rounds begin.

What this means for both sides going forward

For Norway, the deeper question is whether this rotation reflects genuine confidence in their group position or a slight overestimation of how comfortable that position actually is. If Norway stumbles and suddenly needs results, Solbakken will face pointed questions about the decision.

The Mbappé versus Haaland head-to-head that fans were circling on the calendar is now deferred. If both teams advance, the two could meet in the knockout rounds under far higher stakes.