France beats Norway 4-1; Haaland benched, Tatum dresses as him

On June 26, 2026, the Group I World Cup match between Norway and France was played at Gillette Stadium in Boston, USA. France won 4‑1, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring a first‑half hat‑trick and Désiré Doué adding a late goal. Norway fielded a heavily rotated side, making ten changes that left striker Erling Haaland on the bench for the entire game.

Coach Ståle Solbakken said the rotation was intended to keep key players fresh for the knockout stage. Haaland defended the decision, stating, “I said beforehand that I don’t care… France was the better team anyway. Even with our strongest 11, I don’t think we could have beaten them.” Norway finished second in the group and will face Ivory Coast in the round of 32.

The match also attracted media attention because Hollywood actor Channing Tatum attended the game dressed in a replica Erling Haaland wig and jersey, promoting a Nike campaign. His appearance became a viral moment, highlighting the cultural crossover between sport and entertainment.