Norwegian football fans protest lineup changes ahead of France World Cup match

Thousands of Norwegian supporters gathered outside Gillette Stadium in Boston before Norway's round‑of‑16 World Cup game against France. Media reports said the national team made ten changes, benching star striker Erling Haaland, captain Martin Ødegaard and forward Antonio Nusa. The news sparked disappointment among fans who had spent large sums on flights, hotels and tickets.

Fans voiced their frustration, with one saying, “Det er viktigere å vinne sekstendedelsfinalen enn denne kampen,” while others called the rumored benchings “knusende, hvis det er sant.” Coach Ståle Solbakken replied that the priority is winning the match, not catering to individual expectations. The atmosphere included both Norwegian and American spectators, with some Americans skeptical of the reports.