Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano is preparing a tactical approach centered on what he calls “double-sided control” to contain Manchester City striker Erling Haaland when France meets Norway in a Group I fixture at Boston Stadium on June 25 or 26, 2026. The match could determine which side finishes atop the group.
The tactical chess match
Upamecano has emphasized positioning and spatial control over direct physical confrontation with Haaland. Haaland’s four tournament goals suggest that defenders who engage him in one-on-one physical battles tend to lose those battles. The “double-sided control” approach implies coordinated defensive coverage, essentially making Haaland beat two players instead of one.
France’s Kylian Mbappé on the opposite end of the pitch means Norway can’t simply funnel all resources into feeding Haaland.
Haaland’s tournament tear
