France's Kylian Mbappe warms up before the World Cup Group I match between Norway and France in Foxborough, on June 26, 2026
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Erling Haaland is among 10 regular starters not in Norway’s starting lineup for the team’s World Cup group play finale against France on Friday.Coach Ståle Solbakken appears to be resting Haaland and others, with Norway already qualified for the Round of 32. Norway would need to beat France to win Group I because of a disadvantage in goal differential. France can secure a more comfortable route through the World Cup when they face Norway in their final Group I match, though finishing top could leave them facing one of the toughest roads to the trophy.Assured of a place in the round of 32 after victories over Senegal and Iraq, France needs only a draw to finish first thanks to their superior goal difference. While the sporting benefits of topping the group are debatable, doing so would allow the 2018 champions to remain in the Northeastern United States until the quarter-finals rather than embark on a cross-country journey through Dallas, Miami and Atlanta.(With inputs from agencies)Follow below for live updates:June 26, 2026 23:09 LineupLineups are announced and players are warming up. Published - June 26, 2026 11:41 pm IST
