Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard are back in Norway's starting lineup for their World Cup 2026 last-32 match against Ivory Coast today. The Manchester City striker and Arsenal captain were rested for Norway's final group game, a 4-1 loss to France, which saw them finish as runners-up in Group I.
Solbakken Defends Resting Decision
Norway coach Stale Solbakken defended his decision to rest Haaland and Odegaard, calling it a "no-brainer" despite criticism. "It was a no-brainer both on my part, the physio, the health and medical, and for some players themselves," Solbakken explained. "They all said it would be difficult for many of them (to play so soon after facing Senegal), and if some of the players who had played Senegal wouldn't have been able to play and practice going forward, then the only consideration is taking fans in Norway and here into consideration."
He added: "This decision was not one that took a lot of time for us to think over. The tests, the samples taken, it was the medicals. They decided to take them and they fed back to me."
Team News and Lineup
Fully rested, Haaland and Odegaard return to a Norway team that mirrors the selection for the two Group I wins over Iraq and Senegal. Wholesale changes are expected. Orjan Nyland replaces Egil Selvik in goal, while Marcus Pedersen comes in for Julian Ryerson at right-back. Fredrik Aursnes is replaced by Patrick Berg in midfield, joining Odegaard and Sander Berge. Up front, Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, and Antonio Nusa are restored, with Thelo Aasgaard, Oscar Bobb, and Andreas Schjelderup dropping to the bench.
Norway XI: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Berge, Odegaard, Berg; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Injured: Ryerson.
Match Details
Time and date: 6pm BST on Wednesday June 30, 2026. Venue: Dallas Stadium. How to watch: BBC.
