Norway will be without striker Erling Haaland for their upcoming international fixture against the Netherlands, with the decision taken to prioritise his fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup where they are set to face African representatives Senegal national football team.
The Norwegian forward, who recently featured in Manchester City’s League Cup final victory over Arsenal at Wembley, has been left out of the squad for Friday’s match at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Head coach Ståle Solbakken confirmed that the decision was based on managing the player’s workload rather than injury concerns.
“We’re taking into account the considerable workload Erling has accumulated recently, and we’ve concluded that it’s best for everyone if he gets sufficient rest.”
“He’s under a lot of pressure, and for me, the most important thing is that he performs at the World Cup, not right now,” he said in an interview with TV2.
The move highlights Norway’s long-term planning as they prepare for their return to the World Cup, having last appeared at the tournament in 1998.
The team has been drawn into a competitive group that includes Senegal, France, and another yet-to-be-determined side.
For Senegal, the development could offer a glimpse into Norway’s approach ahead of what is expected to be a decisive group-stage encounter.
The two teams are scheduled to meet on 22 June 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a fixture already being viewed as one of the key clashes in the group.
From an African perspective, Senegal’s preparation for the tournament will involve assessing not only their own squad depth but also the tactical adjustments of their opponents.
Haaland’s absence in this friendly may not directly impact the World Cup meeting, but it underscores the importance Norway place on keeping their key players in peak condition for the tournament itself.
The Norwegian striker’s recent schedule has been demanding.
Having played the full match in Manchester City’s League Cup triumph, the decision to rest him reflects a broader trend among national teams to carefully manage elite players during congested seasons.
For Senegal, who continue to establish themselves as one of Africa’s leading football nations, the World Cup presents another opportunity to compete against Europe’s top sides.
Facing a Norway team built around Haaland will be a major test, particularly given the striker’s reputation as one of the most prolific forwards in world football.
While Haaland will miss the Netherlands fixture, the focus remains firmly on the bigger picture.
Norway’s priority is ensuring their star player is ready for the World Cup, where the stakes will be significantly higher.
