France-Norway World Cup clash sees Haaland on bench as coach Deschamps mourns his mother

France's preparations for their group‑stage World Cup match against Norway were clouded by the death of coach Didier Deschamps' mother. Captain Kylian Mbappé posted an Instagram tribute, saying the team's thoughts were with Deschamps and his family.

Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken is expected to make major changes to the lineup, with reports that Erling Haaland will start the match on the bench and only Fredrik Aursnes is likely to remain in the starting eleven. The match, scheduled for Friday evening in Foxborough, Massachusetts, will decide the group winner; France needs at least a draw to top the group and potentially face Germany in the knockout round.