Erling Haaland has been left on the bench for Norway's final World Cup group match against France. The Manchester City striker has scored four goals in his first two matches, level with Kylian Mbappe and one behind leading goal scorer Lionel Messi.
Group stage finale
France and Norway are level on points heading into their group finale, meeting in a straight shootout for top spot. Both nations have already secured qualification for the knockout stages. While France have named a strong starting XI, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has made 10 changes to his side.
Selection decision
Haaland's omission from the starting XI is purely a selection decision, with his head coach opting to rest him for the last 32 stage. According to Solbakken, the decision was made to preserve Haaland's energy for the knockout rounds, given Norway's already assured progression.
