France's final group stage match of the World Cup against Norway will see a significantly rotated lineup, with star winger Ousmane Dembélé among those expected to be rested. According to team sources, the coaching staff is keen to preserve key players for the knockout rounds, especially given the short turnaround before the round of 16.
Didier Deschamps, who will not be on the touchline for this match following the passing of his mother, has made no secret of his desire to finish first in the group. Doing so would allow France to minimize travel and face theoretically weaker opponents in the early knockout stages. However, Deschamps has stressed that this does not mean fielding an entirely second-string eleven, as happened in the 2022 tournament against Tunisia – a match France lost 1-0.
The Rotation Plan
Five or six changes are expected from the side that beat Iraq 3-0 in the previous match. In attack, Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise are likely to retain their places, while Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé are expected to drop to the bench. The staff was not entirely satisfied with Barcola's performance against Iraq, and they are being cautious with Dembélé's fitness. The Barcelona winger has endured a stop-start season due to recurring muscular issues, and with the round of 16 only four days after the Norway game, managing his minutes is crucial.
To replace Dembélé, Deschamps and assistant Guy Stephan are considering handing a start to Rayan Cherki as the playmaker. This would shift Olise to the right flank and bring Désiré Doué in on the left. Alternatively, the staff may choose to keep Olise through the middle to work on his understanding with Mbappé, with Doué and Barcola starting on the wings.
Midfield and Defensive Overhauls
Adrien Rabiot is likely to be given a rest, which would allow Manu Koné to continue his run in the side. Koné would be partnered by Aurélien Tchouameni, who returns after missing the Iraq match due to a minor knock. This pairing is seen as essential for the knockout phase, so the coach wants them to gain match rhythm together.
In defense, only Dayot Upamecano appears certain to keep his place for a third consecutive match. William Saliba is expected to be rested, with Maxence Lacroix stepping in as his replacement. On the flanks, Malo Gusto will likely replace Jules Koundé at right-back, while Théo Hernández is set to take over from his brother Lucas at left-back. This defensive reshuffle aims to keep the starters fresh while still maintaining solidity against Norway's dangerous counterattacks.
Historical Context: France's Third Group Match Woes
France holds a peculiar record in major tournaments: they have never won the third group match under Deschamps. In 2014, they drew 0-0 with Ecuador; in 2016, they lost 0-0 to Switzerland (though that was a goalless draw in the Euros, still counted as a draw); in 2018, they drew 0-0 with Denmark; in 2021 (Euros), they drew 2-2 with Portugal; and in 2022, they lost 1-0 to Tunisia. While the team has always advanced, the pattern of underwhelming final group performances is a statistical quirk that Deschamps is eager to break, even with a rotated side.
The Norway match, however, carries different weight. With France already qualified, the focus is on securing first place. A win would guarantee a theoretically easier path, avoiding potential matchups with powerhouse nations in the early knockout rounds. Deschamps has made it clear to his players that standards must not drop, even amid rotation.
The Dembélé Situation
Ousmane Dembélé's omission is a tactical and physical decision. The 27-year-old has been vital for France in recent years, providing width and dribbling ability. However, his injury history is well documented: since joining Barcelona in 2017, he has missed over 100 matches due to various muscle problems. In the current tournament, he started the opening match against Senegal, playing 70 minutes, and came off the bench against Iraq. The medical staff advised limiting his minutes to avoid a recurrence of a hamstring issue. With Mbappé and Olise performing well, Deschamps feels comfortable resting Dembélé.
Some observers have suggested that Dembélé's supposed 'end' as an automatic starter is premature. His talent is undoubted, but his reliability remains a question. The rotation against Norway is not a demotion but a precaution for the knockout stages, where his explosiveness off the bench could be a game-changer.
Other Key Players Under the Spotlight
Rayan Cherki's potential start is a major storyline. The Lyon prodigy, still only 21, has been hailed as the future of French attacking midfield. This match would be an opportunity for him to stake a claim for more minutes in the knockout rounds. Similarly, Désiré Doué, the 19-year-old Rennes winger, has impressed in training and could make his first World Cup start.
Maxence Lacroix has a chance to cement his place as the primary backup to Saliba. The Wolfsburg defender has grown in stature over the past two seasons and offers strong aerial ability, which could be useful against Norway's target men. Young Malo Gusto at right-back is another player seeking to prove himself. His attacking runs have drawn comparisons to Koundé, but he must show defensive discipline.
In goal, Hugo Lloris is expected to keep his place, as his leadership is deemed essential. There are no plans to rest the captain unless the game is clearly decided.
The Emotional Impact of Deschamps' Absence
Deschamps' decision to remain absent from the bench due to his mother's death has left an emotional void. The players have expressed solidarity with their coach, and it is understood that the assistant coaching staff will take charge. Deschamps will communicate with the team via video link before the match and at half-time. This unusual situation adds another layer of motivation for the squad, who want to win for their grieving coach.
France's previous matches under such circumstances have been mixed. In 2018, assistant Guylain stepped in for one match and the team won convincingly. The leadership group, including Lloris, Mbappé, and Griezmann (who is also expected to rest), will be crucial in maintaining focus.
Norway's Threat and France's Response
Norway, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, are desperate for a win to keep their own knockout hopes alive. Their attacking quality means France cannot afford complacency, even with a rotated side. The center-back pairing of Upamecano and Lacroix will have a stern test against Haaland's physicality. Tchouameni's role as a shield in midfield will be vital.
France's game plan will likely focus on controlling possession and pressing high, forcing Norway into errors. Mbappé's pace on the counter will be a constant threat, and Olise's clever passing from the right could unlock a compact defense. The match promises to be an intriguing tactical battle, with both teams needing different outcomes.
Ultimately, the decision to rest Dembélé and rotate heavily reflects France's depth and strategic long-term thinking. The squad is confident that even a second-string eleven can handle Norway, and the manager's instructions are clear: win the match, top the group, and avoid unnecessary risks. Dembélé's 'end' as a key contributor is not yet written; it is merely a pause for the greater prize ahead.
Source: MSN News