Fans slammed Norway for resting 10 of their main players for their final group stage clash of the FIFA World Cup against France.
After securing wins over Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2), the Vikings have already qualified for the Round of 32. Therefore, manager Stale Solbakken took the drastic decision to swap out nearly his entire starting lineup, in order to keep his main side fresh for the knockout round.
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Every single regular starter for Norway, besides midfielder Fredrik Aursnes, was rested for their clash against Les Bleus. The decision drew strong criticism from the fans, who took to X to vent their frustrations.
Referencing legendary Viking hero Ragnar Lodbrok, one fan wrote:
“Vikings are scared?? In what world. Ragnar would be so disappointed. F Norway btw.”
Another claimed:
“This is so disrespectful to football fans. I don’t think Norway is ever coming to the World Cup again mark my words.”
Fans were excited to see the encounter between superstar forwards Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe on the world’s biggest stage. With the former being rested for the game, one fan remarked:
“So they are denying us the most anticipated match of the tournament.”
A fan wrote:
“They want to make the win less tasteful for France. SMH. Resting 10 men in a World Cup game. Total bulls**t.”
One fan hilariously claimed:
“Norway treating France like preseason friendly in WC group decider is crazy disrespect.”
Another commented:
“Thought vikings are meant to be ruthless and full of courage, this is cowering away.”
The loser of the France-Norway fixture (June 27) will face off against Ivory Coast in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The winner will have to wait for the conclusion of other fixtures to know their opponents.
France will also have notable absentees in their clash against Norway at the FIFA World Cup
While Norway have voluntarily rested 10 of their starters for their FIFA World Cup clash against France, Les Bleus will have some forced changes on their end.
The most notable absentee for France will be manager Didier Deschamps. The 57-year-old has temporarily stepped away from the national team and returned home after receiving the tragic news of his mother’s passing on Tuesday (June 24).
In his absence, his long-term assistant, Guy Stephan, will step in and take over the head coaching role. Having been with the French national team since 2012, the 69-year-old has great experience on the international stage.
Besides Deschamps, William Saliba is also set to miss the clash against the Vikings. The Arsenal man has been sidelined with a back injury, with Maxence Lacroix replacing him in the starting lineup.
France will face off against Norway in the two sides’ final Group I clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on Friday (June 27).
Edited by Aaryan Nagraj
