By our reporter 27.6.2026
Norway coach Staale Solbakken, after playing France with a rotated team and losing 4-1, said his goal was to prepare to face Cote d’Ivoire Elephants in their 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 tie on Tuesday.
Solbakken rested Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and eight other players against the French team who played their regular squad with Ousmane Dembele having a field day scoring the fastest hat-trick in World Cup history.
Solbakken explained that the decision to rest his regulars was based on the feedback from his wider staff and tests carried out after Monday’s 3-2 victory over the Lions of Teranga.
“It was a no-brainer on my part, the physio, the health and medical staff, and from some players themselves,” he said.
“The only consideration was taking the Norwegian fans into consideration, who want to see Martin and Erling. But we want to stay here [at the World Cup] for as long we can.”
He said the focus now is to beat Cote d’Ivoire who by no means have proved that they an are not an easy team to conquer when they meet at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday.
“I think they have a good mix in their midfield three, with a playmaker, a runner and a stabiliser,” Solbakken said. “They also have two good wingers, a striker that can both keep the ball up and go behind and they have two powerhouses at centre-back. Their team is very good, but we are a good team when we play to our best. So, let’s see in four days.
“We have cancelled out their one extra day to rest [by making changes for the France match] so now we should be on equal terms in terms of physicality, which I see one their biggest strengths.”
Erling Haaland firing Norway to the final...