Haaland Likened to 'Caged Lion'

US - Norway striker Erling Haaland will explode again after rest against France in final Group I match, coach Stale Solbakken say.

Haaland (red shirt) sit on bench during France 4-1 Norway, Group I World Cup 2026, Foxborough, US, June 26. Photo: AP

Before June 26 match, France led Group I on goal difference (+5 to +4) over Norway, tied at 6 points. Both teams already qualified after wins against Senegal and Iraq. Coach Solbakken change 10 starters from Senegal match. Captain Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland sit out entire game.

"Haaland like caged lion. He can explode in knockout rounds," Solbakken say.

Norway coach say same for other players. In unimportant match, staff must save player energy. Goal is strong play in Round of 32 and beyond. "We not here to decorate tournament, we here to go far," Solbakken add.

Alfie, Haaland father and former teammate of Solbakken, agree with rotation. He say Solbakken might disappoint fans by not fighting France, but focus is on next match.

Norway give up top spot fight, game go to France. Ousmane Dembele score hat-trick (7', 20', 32'), before Desire Doue seal 4-1 win (90'+4). Thelo Aasgaard score lone Norway goal (21').

In Round of 32, Norway play Ivory Coast. If win, Haaland face Brazil or Japan. France play Sweden in Round of 32, then face Germany or Paraguay in Round of 16.

With four goals, Haaland tie for second in Golden Boot race with Kylian Mbappe, Dembele, Vinicius. Lionel Messi lead with five goals.

Haaland key in qualifiers, score 16 goals in 8 games. In November 2025 play-off at San Siro, he score twice in two minutes as Norway beat Italy 4-1 for World Cup spot. This is Haaland first major tournament, Norway first World Cup in 28 years.