Preview: Norway vs France prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Mbappe vs Haaland showdown to determine who takes top honours in Group I.

Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium) in Foxborough, United States of America, gears up to host the final Matchweek fixtures in Group I of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where two- time world champions France take on Norway in a thrilling contest.

Group I is almost done and dusted. Two teams have already booked their spot in the knockouts. France and Norway would battle it out for the top spot, whereas Senegal would take on Iraq in a must-win clash to compete among the best third-ranked teams and have a shot at qualification.

It never seemed like the Vikings were playing their first-ever World Cup in the twenty-first century, as they took just two games to book their spot in the knockout stages with two convincing wins over Senegal and Iraq. They have scored seven goals so far in just two games.

Now, they are tied with France on six points at the top, and this is a must-win game for them to finish atop the points table. Their top striker, Erling Haaland, has been in top form, scoring four goals in just two games and it will be an epic showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

The world’s third-best team, according to the latest FIFA rankings are a draw away from clinching the top spot in Group I. After thrashing Senegal 3-1 in the opening game, they scored thrice again against Iraq. Didier Deschamps will not be in the dugout for the next game after his mother left for her heavenly abode.

Finishing top of Group I makes the knockout path easier. The team finishing atop would take on a third-ranked team in the Round of 32, whereas the second-placed team would take on the Ivory Coast in the next round, a team that defeated France in friendlies. Hence, both teams are expected to go all in for the top spot.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA
• Stadium: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium)
• Date: Friday, June 26
• Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST, 3 p.m. local EDT [12:30 a.m. IST, Saturday, June 27]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Norway (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-D

France (in all competitions): W-W-W-L-W

Players to Watch

Alexander Sørloth (Norway)

Following the footsteps of his father, Gøran Sørloth, who represented Norway in the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States, Sorloth will be keen to find his name in the scoresheet in a vital clash against France that could determine the fate of the group.

One of the most physically dominant left-footed forwards, Sorloth has massive experience playing in top Spanish leagues for clubs like Real Sociedad and Villarreal. He is coming after a decent spell with Atletico Madrid, where he had 21 goal contributions.

Michael Olise (France)

Born and raised in London to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, Michael Olise has been the creative engine of the team, providing three assists in two games so far against Iraq and Senegal. An elite winger, he loves to occupy the right interior channels.

He is coming after a highly productive spell with Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich, where he had a record 53 goal contributions in 57 games for the Bavarians. He is the creative heartbeat of Deschamps’ side, and Les Blues will rely heavily on his creativity from the flanks to set up Mbappe.

Match Facts

• The last time Norway defeated France was back in 2010
• France defeated Norway 4-0 when these two sides last met in 2014
• Hervé Revelli of France is the leading goal scorer in this fixture.

Norway vs France: Betting Tips and Odds

• France to win – 8/13 with Betfred
• Kylian Mbappe to score – 9/10 with Betfred
• Norway 1-2 France – 7/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Julian Ryerson is expected to be out after getting subbed off in the first 13 minutes against Senegal. Torino lad Marcus Pedersen is expected to replace him.

France have a selection dilemma as they have a star-studded squad. It will be interesting to see if Aurelien Tchouameni or Theo Hernandez gets their spot back, and whether it will be Doue or Barcola, we have to see.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 15

Norway won: 04

France won: 07

Matches drawn: 04

Predicted Lineups

Norway predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Ørjan Nyland (GK); Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Lysaker Heggem, David Møller Wolfe; Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Martin Ødegaard; Alexander Sørloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa.

France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan (GK); Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé.

Match Prediction

Norway are expected to put up a formidable fight against France in the next game, but given France’s elite squad depth, we expect them to emerge victorious by a narrow margin.

Prediction: Norway 1-2 France

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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