Norway and France face off tonight to decide won will win Group I, as Golden Boot rivals Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe go toe-to-toe.
Norway brushed aside Iraq 4-1 in their opener - and first World Cup game in 28 years - before squeezing past Senegal 3-2. Haaland scored a brace in each game.
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France, meanwhile, beat Senegal 3-1 in their first game, before brushing off Iraq 3-0. Mbappe - like Haaland - also scored a double in each.
Whoever wins this match will be Group I winners and face one of the eight best third-placed teams from Group C, D, F, G or H, while the runners-up will play the second-placed team in Group K. A draw would see France top the group thanks to their superior goal difference.
Les Bleus will be without manager Didier Deschamps, who has travelled back to France after the death of his mother. Assistant coach Guy Stephan will manage the team against Norway.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Norway vs France is scheduled for a 8pm BST kick-off today, Friday, June 26, 2026.
The match will take place at the Gillette Stadium, Boston.
Where to watch Norway vs France for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 7pm.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via ITVX app or the channel’s website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with ITVX app and their websites.
Norway vs France team news
Left-back Julian Ryerson came off in the 13th minute against Senegal due to a thigh injury, so is unlikely to feature against the 2018 winners.
His replacement, Marcus Pedersen, scored for Norway, so appears an able deputy and should start.
Centre-back Torbjorn Heggem was forced off late on, so may be another injury doubt for Stale Solbakken’s side. Leo Ostigard would start in his stead.
Norway squad: Orjan Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander Tangvik, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, Leo Skiri Ostigard, Julian Ryerson, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, David Moller Wolfe, Fredrik Bjorkan, Sondre Langas, Henrik Falchener, Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Patrick Berg, Kristian Thorstvedt, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup, Jens Petter Hauge, Thelo Aasgaard, Morten Thorsby, Erling Braut Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, Jorgen Strand Larsen
Arsenal defender William Saliba admitted he has been “gritting my teeth” during the World Cup owing to minor injuries.
He has started both games so far, but could be rested for this one.
Roma midfielder and rumoured Arsenal target Manu Kone started against Iraq after Aurielen Tchouameni experienced physical discomfort pre-match, so may start here.
Malo Gusto came on late against Iraq after picking up a foot injury and may also start this clash.
France squad: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba, Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ibrahima Konate, Maxence Lacroix, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamenaco, N'Golo Kante, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery, Maghnes Akliouche, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Jean-Phillipe Mateta, Marcus Thuram
Norway vs France prediction
This match is really all about Haaland against Mbappe and how many they can score in this tournament.
France are favourites for the tournament, but Norway’s two wins out of two in their first World Cup in 28 years reflects their quality throughout the pitch. Martin Odegaard assisted Haaland’s second against Iraq and will look to exploit new Real Madrid signing Ibrahima Konate if he comes in to replace Saliba.
Both sides have been free-scoring so far and I expect that to continue, but with France coming out on top in an exciting and pulsating affair. Mbappe and Haaland are a lock to score at least once - if not more.
Norway 2-4 France.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Norway wins: 5
France wins: 7
Draws: 4
Norway vs France match odds
Odds via betting sites (subject to change).
