Dayot Upamecano has unveiled his tactical approach to neutralise the immense attacking threat posed by Erling Haaland ahead of their eagerly awaited World Cup clash. The French centre-back faces one of his toughest challenges of the tournament in Boston, as Les Bleus prepare to take on an in-form Norway side.

After a strong start to the competition, the commanding defensive pairing of William Saliba and Upamecano will face their biggest test yet as France aim for the top spot in Group I. Upamecano has been a rock at the back for France, playing a crucial role in their victory over Senegal and maintaining a disciplined clean sheet against Iraq. However, his next assignment is to stop Norway’s clinical forward, who has already found the net four times in the tournament.

Discussing his defensive plan, the French international acknowledged that keeping Haaland quiet demands complete focus and flawless positional awareness for the full 90 minutes.

Speaking to L'Equipe, Upamecano said: "With Haaland, you must always keep one eye on him and another on the ball carrier, even when you're not outnumbered. When he’s on my blind side and one of his teammates is overlapping, I know I have to look over my shoulder two or three times to track his movement and positioning. We all know he’s incredibly explosive in the first few yards, much like Kylian [Mbappe]."

The Bayern Munich defender continued: "He can change direction in an instant, so it’s vital to monitor him constantly. If you can’t intercept his first touch or prevent him from receiving the ball, you have to push him wide. He enjoys physical battles, and I do as well. But sometimes it’s about managing the moment—guiding him toward the flank and cutting off his shooting angles."

The upcoming match also reunites the two players, who last faced each other in a gruelling Champions League knockout tie in April 2023. Upamecano stressed that proper body positioning is key when facing a powerful striker who excels with his back to goal.

He explained: "When they have a throw-in, it’s always better to double up on him. The free man in our team, usually the full-back, shouldn’t be positioned too far ahead, while I stay just behind him—close enough but not tight-marking. It’s difficult to step in front because he’s so strong. Facing him is always a real contest.

"The most critical aspect in a duel with him is your initial positioning and body shape, so you can see both the ball and him. Once he gets away, it’s almost impossible to catch him because of his speed.

"In a way, going up against Haaland is more about movement than pure strength. You must stay alert at every step and be constantly aware of his position. We all know he won’t see much of the ball—maybe just a couple of touches—but those will be at 100%, so you have to match that intensity.

"And let’s not forget [Alexander] Sorloth, who I played with at Leipzig. He’s very strong, fast, and has a powerful shot."

As the stage is set for a historic showdown in Boston, this will mark the first-ever men’s World Cup meeting between France and Norway. While France have the upper hand historically, having won their last five matches against European opposition, Norway arrive in exceptional form. Haaland is on the verge of equalling a legendary World Cup record by scoring in three consecutive matches, ensuring a thrilling contest for supremacy.