“They’re scared before the game”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hit out at Norway for naming a heavily rotated side for their final 2026 FIFA World Cup group game against France.

Having already booked their place in the Round of 32, Ståle Solbakken rested 10 of his main players, including talisman Erling Haaland for the clash.

The Vikings sit second in the group heading into the game. Defeating Didier Deschamps’ side will see them finish as group winners and face a third-placed team in the Round of 32. However, their current position will see them face Group E runners-up, which is currently Ivory Coast.

Solbakken has since come in for a heavy criticism from fans for his drastic decision. Ibrahimovic, who works for Fox Sports as a pundit for the World Cup, was also not pleased with the decision.

Speaking before kick-off, the former Sweden international slammed the rationale behind Norway’s decision, saying they threw away the opportunity to play against ‘easier’ opponents in the Round of 32.

“Norway have a chance to top the group and get easier knockout opponents, yet they’re scared before the game. That’s not the mentality you need when you play for your country at the World Cup”

Norway have emerged as one of the dark horses of the 2026 World Cup. Ending a 28-year wait, the Vikings wasted no time to announce their return on football’s biggest stage. They defeated Iraq 4-1 in their tournament opener before managing a 3-2 win over Senegal.

“Their priority was to get out of the group” – Roy Keane on Norway’s heavily rotated team vs France

Unlike Ibrahimovic, Roy Keane took a more pragmatic view of Norway’s decision to rest most of their key players against France. The former Manchester United midfielder suggested that both teams have ‘different expectations’ at the tournament.

Speaking on ITV, Keane said Norway’s objective was to qualify from their group, which they have done. He claimed France are expected to compete to win the World Cup.

“Remember this team isn’t used to tournament football yet and it’s two teams with different expectations. The French are expected to compete to win the World Cup. I think Norway’s priority was to get out of the group which they have done and I think their manager has thought it will be tough to get past France, we’ll rest and go again next week,” Keane said

“I can see where he’s coming from. Yeah, you want the mentality when you can go and win the game but there’s also the bigger picture. The two countries have different expectations.”

Solbakken’s decision against Les Bleus, however, did not age well as they lost 4-1, meaning they finished second in the group.