Norway's Knockout Stage Hopes Rest on Haaland's Availability
Following a 4-1 loss to France, Norway's coach Ståle Solbakken chose to rest Erling Haaland, leaving him as an unused substitute. The decision was made with the team's knockout stage aspirations in mind, as they prepare to face the Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
Haaland's Expected Return to the Starting Lineup
Although Norway's head coach Ståle Solbakken has not yet released the starting lineup for the match against the Ivory Coast, it is anticipated that Erling Haaland will be included. Haaland's omission from the starting lineup in the previous game was a tactical decision, as explained by coach Ståle Solbakken after the loss to France.
"It’s a no-brainer," coach Ståle Solbakken said Friday after a 4-1 loss to France left the Norwegians in second place in the group. "The fans around Norway and also in the arena would have liked to see Erling. But that is not really the issue. We want to proceed as long as we can in the tournament."
Haaland's World Cup Performance So Far
Erling Haaland has had a notable performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring four goals. He scored a brace against Iraq in Norway's group-stage opener and added two more goals against Senegal. With +2200 odds to win the Golden Boot, Haaland is currently two goals shy of the tournament leader Lionel Messi.
