The top spot in Group I is at stake when Norway and France meet at Gillette Stadium on Friday night – one of the most tempting matches in the final group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
Both nations have already secured advancement to the knockout stages after two straight wins, but first place is still open when the two star-studded teams meet.
Read: Cesc Fàbregas has created a superstar, but it’s Real Madrid who are making the big bucks
Norway has delivered a sensational return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Ståle Solbakken’s men opened the championship with a convincing 4-1 win over Iraq, before following up with a 3-2 win against Senegal – and thus two wins in two games.
Erling Haaland has been the epitome of his success with four goals in two games, and has already established himself as one of the tournament’s hottest goalscorers.
Despite six points, Norway is in second place in Group I – only behind France on goal difference. A win on Friday will send them past Les Bleus and all the way to the top.
France, however, has looked like one of the big favourites to win the entire tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal before comfortably beating Iraq 3-0 – leaving them with perfect points and a solid goal difference.
Kylian Mbappé has been on fire, scoring four goals – just like Haaland – and has once again shown that he is France’s undisputed attacking leader.
France only need a draw to secure first place, but their impressive performance so far suggests that they will go for a win and a full pot.
Les Bleus also have history on their side: They beat Norway 4-0 in the last meeting between the nations, back in 2014.
Team news for Norway vs France
Norway will probably have to do without Julian Ryerson. The Borussia Dortmund defender had to throw in the towel during the win against Senegal, and Marcus Pedersen is expected to step in at right-back.
Haaland will once again top the attack together with Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa. Captain Martin Ødegaard is ready to lead the team from midfield, probably together with Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes.
At France, there are several choices to make, despite the fact that the advancement is already in the box. Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué have alternated starting, while Lucas Digne and Manu Koné impressed from the bench against Iraq.
Mbappé remains the undisputed leader in attack, with Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé expected to support him in the attacking areas.
Predicted line-ups
Norway (4-3-3): Nyland – Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe – Berge, Aursnes, Ødegaard – Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa
France (4-3-3): Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba – Digne – Tchouaméni, Rabiot – Olise, Dembélé, Doué – Mbappé
Key figures for Norway vs. France
- Norway has won both of their matches in Group I.
- Erling Haaland has scored four goals in two World Cup games.
- The Vikings have scored seven goals in two games.
- France have also won both of their group games.
- Kylian Mbappé has matched Haaland with four goals in the tournament.
- Les Bleus only need a draw to win 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 appears to be a little more balanced across the pitch.
Norway’s attack is capable of causing trouble for any defence – especially with Haaland in such a goal-scoring form – but defensive weaknesses can be decisive over 90 minutes against the quality of Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise.
Expect an even and entertaining match, where France finally knocks Norway off the peg in a high-quality affair.
Prediction: Norway 1-2 France
Read on F7: Never, ever underestimate captain Ødegaard
