Martin Ødegaard was rested by Norway manager Ståle Solbakken on 26 June, as the team fell 4-1 to France in their final Group I match at the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The decision to field a second-string side raised questions over the tactical gamble.
What happened?
Norway had already secured qualification for the Round of 32 after consecutive wins over Iraq and Senegal. Solbakken chose to prioritize freshness over finishing first in the group.
Why it matters for Martin Ødegaard
The rest may improve Norway's chances in the knockout phase, with Ødegaard and other key players fully rested. Erling Haaland, the tournament's joint-second highest scorer, also did not play a single minute.
What comes next?
Norway will face Ivory Coast in the Round of 32, instead of a potentially less demanding third-placed qualifier. The defeat interrupted the momentum built by impressive victories over Iraq and Senegal.
The scoreline was brutal, with France exposing Norway's heavily rotated side almost immediately. Kylian Mbappé rattled the crossbar inside 25 seconds, before Ousmane Dembélé took control of the contest, scoring in the seventh, 20th, and 32nd minutes.
Thelo Aasgaard briefly gave Norway hope when he pulled one back just 81 seconds after France's second goal. However, Jørgen Strand Larsen's penalty effort was comfortably saved by Mike Maignan.
The defeat carried consequences, with Norway surrendering first place in Group I. Yet, Solbakken's strategy may still pay off, with Ødegaard and other key players ready for the knockout phase.
Norway's decision to rotate 10 or more players in a starting XI during the same tournament is remarkable, according to Opta. The team will look to bounce back against Ivory Coast, with Ødegaard and Haaland expected to return to the starting lineup.
The 2026 Fifa World Cup has seen several surprising results, and Norway's gamble may still prove to be a smart move. With Ødegaard and other key players rested, the team may be able to make a deep run in the tournament.
On 26 June, Norway's gamble backfired on the scoresheet, but the strategy may still pay off in the long run. Ødegaard and the team will look to regroup and refocus for the knockout phase, with a tough match against Ivory Coast looming.
The World Cup is known for its surprises, and Norway's decision to rest key players may be one of the most interesting storylines of the tournament. With Ødegaard and Haaland leading the charge, Norway may still make some noise in the knockout phase.