France Maintains Strong Lineup Against Norway as Norwegian Students in Bayeux Celebrate

The French national football team is gearing up to face Norway on June 26 with a nearly full-strength squad, despite having already secured qualification for the knockout stages of the World Cup. Coach Didier Deschamps announced only two changes from their prior matches: Maxence Lacroix will replace William Saliba in defense due to Saliba’s back issues, and Manu Koné will start in midfield instead of Adrien Rabiot. The attacking lineup remains unchanged, featuring stars like Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué. Deschamps highlighted a preference for a later match kickoff in New York for the upcoming round of 16, emphasizing the importance of match location over the opponent.

Meanwhile, in Bayeux, the France-Norway match has special significance for three Norwegian high school students—Maja, Sandra, and Frøydis—who have integrated into French life through sports. Part of the Norwegian section at Chartier High School, they participate in football, basketball, and taekwondo respectively. The Norwegian section, active since 1979 and hosting 18 students, continues to seek host families for upcoming school years, aiming to support students over weekends and holidays. The girls plan to watch the match in public, proudly representing their Norwegian heritage alongside their French peers, symbolizing the cultural exchange fostered through sport.