Top spot in Group I will be on the line when Norway and France meet at Gillette Stadium on Friday evening in one of the standout fixtures of the final group-stage round at World Cup 2026.
Both nations have already secured qualification for the knockout rounds after winning their opening two matches, but first place remains up for grabs heading into this showdown.
Norway have enjoyed an outstanding return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Stale Solbakken’s side opened their campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Iraq before edging past Senegal 3-2 to make it two wins from two.
Erling Haaland has been at the heart of their success, scoring four goals in the opening two matches and establishing himself as one of the tournament’s leading scorers.
Despite collecting six points, Norway sit second in Group I due to France’s superior goal difference. A victory on Friday would see them leapfrog Les Bleus and claim top spot.
France, however, have looked every bit like one of the tournament favourites.
Didier Deschamps’ side opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal before comfortably dispatching Iraq 3-0, leaving them top of the group with a perfect six points and a superior goal difference.
Kylian Mbappe has been in sensational form, matching Haaland’s tally of four goals and once again proving the focal point of France’s attack.
Les Bleus require only a draw to secure first place, but their recent performances suggest they will approach the game with the intention of maintaining their 100% record.
France also have history on their side, having beaten Norway 4-0 in the most recent meeting between the nations in 2014.
Team news for Norway vs France
Norway are expected to be without Julian Ryerson after the Borussia Dortmund defender was forced off injured during the victory over Senegal.
Marcus Pedersen is likely to deputise at right-back, while Haaland will once again spearhead the attack alongside Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa.
Captain Martin Odegaard is set to continue in midfield alongside Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes.
France have several selection decisions to make despite already qualifying for the knockout stages.
Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue have alternated starts so far, while Lucas Digne and Manu Kone both impressed from the bench against Iraq.
Mbappe remains the undisputed leader of the attack after scoring four goals in two matches, while Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele are expected to provide support in advanced areas.
Expected line-ups for Norway vs France
Norway starting XI: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Berge, Aursnes, Odegaard; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
France starting XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba; Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe
Where to watch Norway vs France: TV channel, online live stream
The match takes place on Friday, June 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
In the UK, kick-off is at 20:00 BST, with the match broadcast live across ITV’s channels. Fans can also stream the game online through ITVX.
Norway vs France stats
- Norway have won both of their Group I matches
- Erling Haaland has scored four goals in two World Cup appearances
- The Vikings have scored seven goals in their first two matches
- France have also won both of their group-stage fixtures
- Kylian Mbappe has matched Haaland with four goals in the tournament
- Les Bleus require only a draw to finish top of Group I
- France have scored six goals and conceded just one so far
- Norway’s last victory over France came in August 2010
Prediction for Norway vs France
Both teams have looked dangerous going forward and fully deserve their places in the knockout rounds, but France appear slightly more balanced across the pitch.
Norway’s attack is capable of causing problems for any defence, particularly with Haaland in such prolific form, yet their defensive record suggests they may struggle to contain the quality of Mbappe, Dembele and Olise over 90 minutes.
Expect a competitive encounter, with France edging a high-quality contest to secure top spot in Group I.
Prediction: Norway 1-2 France
