Norway face France in a top of Group I showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Locked on six points apiece and through to the knockout stages, victory would determine which of Norway or France top the group.
Team News
Julian Ryerson is ruled out for Norway after he suffered a thigh injury in the first half of their 3-2 victory over Senegal.
Torbjorn Heggem is a doubt with a knock.
France have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 3-0 victory over Iraq, although manager – Didier Deschamps has taken personal leave due to a family matter.
When is Kick-Off?
Norway meet France at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, USA, on Friday 26 June at 3pm EDT (8pm BST), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Norway’s first meeting against France at the World Cup Finals.
- France have lost just one of six previous World Cup meetings against Norway – albeit in the UEFA Qualifying stage (W4, D1, L1).
- No Norway player has committed more fouls in their opening two matches than David Moller Wolfe (5).
- France’s Kylian Mbappe has scored four goals from seven shots on target in their first two matches.
Prediction
Having battled past Senegal in a clinical spell early in the second half of their clash, Norway now have a chance to top the group if they can bring that quality and graft into this game yet it might actually be best to finish second and get slightly easier Round of 32 opposition.
France though absolutely dominated Iraq and could of easily won by a higher margin but without Deschamps present and a chance to rest players, it will be interesting to see how they approach this especially with Sweden likely awaiting this group’s winner next.
On that note, the reality of this game could down to which team makes least rotation and wants it more and I honestly can see a draw brewing.
Prediction: Norway 1-1 France
Result: Norway 1-4 France
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