Erling Haaland breaks silence on shock benching in Norway's World Cup defeat to France: 'I don't care'

After the Norway match, Stale Solbakken was criticised by fans for his changes. Many also called him out for giving up on the match before it even began.

Published on: Jun 27, 2026, 20:28:14 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Norway's final Group I game against France was supposed to be a showdown between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. But the Norway frontman wasn't named in the playing XI, with Stale Solbakken making 10 changes in total. Haaland didn't even get introduced as a substitute in the second half, even with his side trailing 1-4.

Norway's Erling Haaland was benched for the France game. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

After the match, Solbakken was criticised by fans for his changes. Many also called him out for giving up on the match before it even began. Before the match, first position in Group I was still possible, but a second-strikng side saw those hopes vanish. Other than Haaland, even Martin Odegaard and Antonio Nusa were also benched.

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'I said beforehand that I don't care, and that is still the case'

Speaking after the match, Haaland defended his manager's decision and pointed out that Norway would have lost even with their strong XI. "I said beforehand that I don't care, and that is still the case," he said.

"France was the better team anyway. Even with our strongest 11, I don't think we could have beaten them."

The 4-1 victory saw Ousmane Dembele score a first-half hat-trick. Meanwhile, Desire Doue added another in second-half injury time.

"France has world-class players everywhere. [Kylian] Mbappe, [Michael] Olise, [Ousmane] Dembele... they just keep coming. They will pose a problem for any team and I honestly think they can go very far. What they showed against us was terrifying," he added.

Meanwhile, Solbakken also defended his decision, stating that there were no regrets. "I would do it again immediately," he said.

"We are here to go as far as possible and I have to make the decisions that I think will take us the furthest. The only thing I feel guilty about is the traveling fans who wanted to see Erling, Martin, and the other stars," he added.

Norway take on the Ivory Coast in the Round of 32 on June 30. The decision to rest key players could be pivotal, as they will be fresh for the knockout stages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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