Predicted lineups, where to watch, stats and previews in the battle for the top spot
Top spot in Group I will be at stake when Norway and France meet at the Gillette Stadium on Friday evening in one of the highlights of the final group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
Both countries have already booked their place in the knockout round after winning their opening two matches, but first place is still up for grabs.
Norway is delighted to return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Stale Solbakken’s side opened their campaign with a stunning 4-1 victory over Iraq before edging past Senegal 3-2 to make it two out of two.
Erling Haaland has been at the heart of their success, scoring four goals in the first two games and establishing himself as one of the best goalscorers in the competition.
Despite collecting six points, Norway sit second in Group I on goal difference to France. A win on Friday will see them leapfrog Les Bleus and go top.
However, France looked like one of the favorites for the tournament.
Didier Deschamps’ side opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal before comfortably thrashing Iraq 3-0, leaving them top of the group with a total of six points and the best 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 only need a draw to secure top spot, but their recent performances suggest they will go into the game with the aim of preserving their 100% record.
France also have history on their side, beating Norway 4-0 in the last match between the countries in 2014.
Norway vs France team news
Norway are expected to be without Julian Ryerson after the Borussia Dortmund defender was forced off with an injury during the win over Senegal.
Marcus Pedersen is likely to be the right back supporter, while Haaland will also lead the attack alongside Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa.
Captain Martin Odegaard is expected to continue in midfield alongside Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes.
France have a lot of decisions to make even though they have already qualified 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 games, while Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele are expected to provide support in advanced positions.
Expected matches of Norway vs France
Norway starting XI: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Berge, Aursnes, Odegaard; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
France starting XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba; Dignified; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe
Where to watch Norway vs France: TV channel, live streaming online
The game will be held on Friday, June 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
In the UK, the match will start at 20:00 BST, with the match being broadcast live on ITV channels. Fans can stream the game online via ITX.
Statistics of Norway vs France
- Norway have won both of their Group I matches
- Erling Haaland has scored four goals in two World Cup matches
- The Vikings have scored seven goals in their first two games
- France have also won both of their group stage games
- Kylian Mbappe compared to Haaland with four goals in this competition
- Les Bleus only need a draw to finish top of Group I
- France have scored six goals and conceded one so far
- Norway last beat France in August 2010
Norway vs France Prediction
Both teams look dangerous going forward and fully deserve their places in the knockout round, but France seem a little more balanced on the pitch.
Norway’s attack is capable of causing problems for any defence, especially Haaland in such form, however their defensive record suggests they may struggle to contain the level of Mbappe, Dembele and Olise over 90 minutes.
Expect a competitive tournament, France is organizing a high-quality tournament for the top spot in Group I.
Prediction: Norway 1-2 France
