Erling Haaland sat on the bench while Norway made 10 changes against France, losing 4-1 - a decision that sparked debate about whether resting star players in the group stage is sensible or costly.
The basics are straightforward: when a team has already qualified for the knockout rounds, managers often rotate their squad to preserve fitness and avoid injuries. In this case, Norway boss Stale Solbakken left out Haaland, who had scored four goals in the previous two group games, alongside captain Martin Odegaard. In total, he made 10 changes from the side that beat Senegal. "A no-brainer," Solbakken said, citing advice from the medical department and feedback from players who were "very affected" after the Senegal match. France, meanwhile, fielded a strong lineup and won comfortably thanks to a first-half hat-trick from Ousmane Dembele.
“Why teams rest star players in World Cup group stages, using Norway's decision to bench Erling Haaland against France as a case study.”
This isn't a new phenomenon. At major tournaments like the World Cup, managers must balance the desire to maintain momentum with the need to keep key players fresh for later rounds. Norway, competing at their first World Cup in 28 years, have a thin squad compared to powerhouse nations. Solbakken explained that five or six players were struggling after 80 minutes against Senegal. By resting them, he hopes to have a fitter side for the knockout stages. Former England striker Ian Wright noted that if Haaland needed a rest for the latter stages, "he will take that." France, with depth in every position, could afford to go full strength - and they did, topping Group I with a 100% record.
For UK readers, this matters because the same dilemma faces England and other home nations at future tournaments. Resting stars can backfire: losing momentum, disrupting rhythm, or even facing a tougher knockout draw. Norway's reward for finishing second in the group is a 1,100-mile trip to face the runners-up in Group F or G, whereas France stay local. But preserving Haaland for a potential deep run might be worth the risk. The strategy is a calculated gamble that all teams with knockout ambitions must consider.
Q: Why would a team rest their best player in a World Cup group match? Managers rest stars to reduce injury risk and keep them fresh for knockout games. Norway's Solbakken said the decision was made after consulting players and medical staff, noting that several players were fatigued after their previous match.
Q: What are the risks of resting too many players? Making numerous changes can break team momentum, lead to a heavy defeat, and result in a lower group finish - meaning a tougher draw and longer travel. Norway lost 4-1 and now face a longer journey for their next game.
Q: How common is squad rotation at World Cups? Very common, especially for teams already qualified. In this tournament, several sides have rotated in the final group game. Norway made 10 changes, one of the highest numbers, but other teams routinely rest key players.
What happens next: Norway will play their last-32 match in Dallas on 30 June against the runners-up from Group F or G. France, as group winners, stay near New York for their knockout tie. Haaland and Odegaard are expected to return to the starting lineup for Norway's next game.