Norway and France have already secured their places in the World Cup knockout stages, but there is still plenty riding on their final Group I meeting.
Both nations arrive on six points after winning their opening two matches. France began with a 3-1 victory over Senegal before easing past Iraq 3-0, while Norway marked their return to the World Cup with a 4-1 win over Iraq and followed it up with an entertaining 3-2 success against Senegal.
As a result, the winner of this contest will finish top of the group, while a draw would be enough for France to stay there thanks to their superior goal difference.
That sets up one of the standout fixtures of the final round of group games. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland have both made strong starts to the tournament, and with first place on the line, neither side will want to head into the knockout rounds with a defeat.
Norway’s attacking football has been one of the stories of the group stage, with seven goals scored in two matches, while France have looked every bit the tournament contenders many expected before a ball was kicked. Both teams are through, but neither will be satisfied with second place.
The knockout rounds are waiting. The only question now is who arrives there as the Group I winners.
How to watch Norway vs France
Norway vs France kicks off at 20:00 BST on Friday, June 26, at the Boston Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on ITV1 and STV. Fans can also stream the game via ITVX and STV Player.
In the United States, the game will be shown on FOX or FS1, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo or Universo and streaming via Peacock.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS, with select matches also broadcast on CTV. Streaming is available via TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
Norway team news
Norway have little reason to tear up a formula that has already secured their place in the knockout rounds.
Two wins from two have put Ståle Solbakken’s side in a strong position heading into their final group match, and their attacking play has been one of the highlights of the tournament so far. Seven goals in two games tells its own story.
As a result, major changes would be a surprise.
The bigger question is whether Norway approach this game with caution or continue to play on the front foot. A draw would be enough to guarantee second place, but victory would see them leapfrog France and finish top of Group I.
That incentive could encourage Solbakken to stick with the aggressive style that has brought success against Iraq and Senegal.
Much of the focus will once again fall on Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has already shown why he remains one of the most feared forwards in world football, and France know they cannot afford to give him space inside the penalty area.
Norway have looked dangerous whenever they break forward, but they will also need to stay organised defensively. France possess far more attacking quality than either of their previous opponents.
One thing is certain. Norway will not want to spend the evening simply protecting what they already have. Top spot is within reach, and opportunities like that do not come around often.
Norway expected XI: Nyland – Holmgren Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe – Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes – Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
France team news
France have done exactly what was expected of them during the group stage.
Six points from six, six goals scored and only one conceded has left Didier Deschamps’ side firmly in control of Group I heading into the final round of matches.
Because of that, there is no need for wholesale changes.
Deschamps may freshen up one or two positions, but France are unlikely to take unnecessary risks. A draw would be enough to secure first place, while a win would confirm their status as group winners.
Even so, this is not a team built to settle for a point.
Kylian Mbappé has looked sharp throughout the tournament, while France’s midfield has controlled games with the calm authority that has become a trademark under Deschamps. They have rarely looked under pressure.
Norway’s attacking threat means France will need to be alert defensively. However, Les Bleus will back themselves to create chances against any opponent in the competition.
The challenge for France is maintaining momentum. Winning the group would not only boost confidence but could also provide a more favourable route through the knockout rounds.
That is usually enough motivation for a side with ambitions of lifting the trophy.
France expected XI: Maignan – Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez – Tchouameni, Rabiot – Dembele, Olise, Doue – Mbappe.
Norway vs France stats
- Norway have scored seven goals across their opening two World Cup matches, the highest total in Group I.
- France have won both of their group games and have conceded just once so far in the tournament.
- Erling Haaland has helped Norway become one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking sides, averaging 3.5 goals per game.
- France have scored six goals in their two group-stage victories against Senegal and Iraq.
- Norway have won each of their last three international matches in all competitions.
- France are unbeaten in their last eight matches, with their defence keeping clean sheets in five of those games.
- Norway have found the net in each of their last six international matches.
- France have scored at least twice in six of their previous eight games in all competitions.
- Three of Norway’s last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
- France have lost only one of their last 14 World Cup matches.
Norway vs France prediction
Both teams have already done the hard part.
Norway and France are safely through to the knockout rounds, but neither side will want to head into the next stage with a defeat. Top spot in Group I is still up for grabs, and that gives this game far more importance than a typical dead rubber.
The good news for neutrals is that neither team is built to sit back.
Norway have been one of the most entertaining sides in the group stage. Seven goals in two matches tells its own story, and with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings behind Erling Haaland, they always look capable of creating chances.
France, meanwhile, have been as efficient as ever.
Didier Deschamps’ side have won both of their matches without ever looking fully stretched. They have quality across the pitch, and players like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Randal Kolo Muani can punish mistakes in an instant.
There is simply too much attacking talent on both sides for either team to spend 90 minutes protecting a result.
The group stage has already shown that Norway are willing to take risks going forward. While that approach has produced goals, it has also left spaces at the back. Against France, those gaps can quickly become a problem.
At the same time, Norway have the firepower to trouble any defence in the tournament. Haaland only needs one opportunity to change a game, and France have not yet faced an attack quite like this one.
Everything points towards an open contest.
There should be chances at both ends, periods of momentum for each side and enough quality on the pitch to keep the scoreboard moving. France may have the deeper squad, but Norway have shown they are more than capable of matching elite opposition when they play with confidence.
Expect goals, expect lots of them and expect this to become a shootout quickly.
Prediction: Norway 2-3 France
