Both France and Norway have already booked their place in the knockout rounds, so this Group I finale at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough is a shootout for top spot rather than survival. France lead the group on goal difference and need only a draw to finish first; Norway must win to leapfrog Les Bleus and claim what could be a kinder route through the bracket. With Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland both in form, there is star quality all over the pitch. Kick-off is 8:00pm UK time on Friday 26 June. Below are the confirmed details, predicted XIs and our best betting angles.
Match Overview
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Matchday | Group I, Matchday 3 |
| Date | Friday, 26 June 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 8:00pm UK |
| Venue | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Boston) |
| Broadcast | ITV1 / ITVX (UK) |
Key Predictions & Confidence Score
Two of the tournament’s most potent attacks meet with top spot on the line, and the goals have flowed for both so far — France have scored six and Norway seven across their opening two games. With Norway needing a win and France boasting elite firepower of their own, we are leaning towards an open, goal-friendly contest. Here are our best bets:
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both Teams to Score | 4/5 @ Paddy Power (55.6%) |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Both sides carry serious attacking threat — Kylian Mbappé for France, Erling Haaland for Norway — and neither defence has been watertight, with France conceding once and Norway three times in the group. With Norway forced to chase the win, chances at both ends look likely. |
| Kylian Mbappé Anytime Scorer | 3/10 @ Bet365 (76.9%) |
⭐⭐⭐ | France’s captain and talisman is expected to lead the line and has the beating of most defenders one-on-one. Against a Norway side that must commit men forward, space should open up for Mbappé to add to his tally. |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 4/6 @ Sky Bet (60.0%) |
⭐⭐⭐ | The numbers from this group point to goals: France’s games have produced seven and Norway’s ten. Two attack-minded sides, one of whom must win, is a recipe for an open game that clears the line. |
Odds correct at the time of writing.
Top Betting Tips & Value Analysis
1. Value Bet: Both Teams to Score
Odds: 4/5 with Paddy Power
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Analysis: Norway have scored in every group game and possess the tournament’s most fearsome focal point in Erling Haaland, while France carry a constant threat through Mbappé, Dembélé and a deep attacking unit. Crucially, both defences have already been breached at this World Cup, and with Norway needing a victory the game should stretch. The data points firmly to both goalkeepers being beaten.
2. Player Prop: Kylian Mbappé Anytime Scorer
Odds: 3/10 with Bet365
Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Analysis: Mbappé is operating at the peak of his powers and, as France’s captain, is expected to start even with the group already won. Norway will have to push forward to claim top spot, leaving gaps in behind for one of the world’s most lethal finishers to exploit. If he starts, he is among the likeliest players on the pitch to find the net.
In-Depth Match Analysis
France: Les Bleus have been imperious in Group I, winning both games (3-1 v Senegal, 3-0 v Iraq) to top the table on goal difference. Ranked third in the world, Didier Deschamps’ side blend a settled defensive spine with attacking riches in Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and a bench full of options. Deschamps will be absent from the touchline following a family bereavement, with assistant Guy Stephan taking interim charge. With top spot secured by a draw, France may rotate in midfield, but the quality on show should still be considerable.
Norway: Ståle Solbakken’s Norway have been one of the stories of the group stage, winning their opening two games (4-1 v Iraq, 3-2 v Senegal) on their return to a World Cup. Built around Erling Haaland — who has four goals already — and captain Martin Ødegaard’s creativity, they play with fearless, front-footed intent. Sitting second on goal difference, they must win to pip France to top spot, so expect Solbakken’s men to attack from the off.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 6 |
| Norway | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 6 |
| Senegal | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 |
| Iraq | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Erling Haaland (Norway): Four goals in two games already; Norway’s talisman and a relentless penalty-box threat.
- Martin Ødegaard (Norway): The captain and creative hub who makes Norway tick.
- Kylian Mbappé (France): France’s captain and talisman, lethal in behind and expected to lead the line.
- Ousmane Dembélé (France): A dynamic, direct wide threat capable of unlocking a stretched Norway defence.
Expected Line Ups for Norway vs France
Both teams have been settled so far — Norway named an unchanged XI across both games, while France made a handful of changes against Iraq. With qualification secured, there is a chance both managers freshen things up, though top spot at stake should keep the key men involved. Norway line up in a 4-3-3 under Ståle Solbakken, with captain Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings behind Erling Haaland. France, under the interim charge of Guy Stephan, are expected to stick with a 4-3-3 led by captain Kylian Mbappé, though the midfield is the likeliest area for rotation. Confirmed teamsheets land about an hour before kick-off.
Head-to-Head Record & Statistical Analysis
Norway and France have no competitive meetings on record in recent years, so this is effectively fresh ground for both. With little head-to-head history to lean on, the group-stage numbers and rankings frame the contest — and they underline why France start as favourites despite Norway’s flying form:
| Statistic | Norway | France |
|---|---|---|
| Group I Position | 2nd | 1st |
| World Cup Goals Scored | 7 (2 games) | 6 (2 games) |
| World Cup Goals Conceded | 3 | 1 |
| FIFA World Ranking | 31st | 3rd |
| Points (into Matchday 3) | 6 | 6 |
Player Spotlight: Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland has carried his club form onto the world stage, scoring four times in Norway’s opening two games to put himself among the contenders for the tournament’s Golden Boot. The powerhouse striker is the focal point of everything Norway do — his movement, strength and finishing stretch defences and create space for Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth around him. France’s centre-backs, Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, will need a disciplined plan to contain him. With Norway needing to win to top the group, expect plenty of direct service into Haaland whenever they push forward — and a real test of France’s much-vaunted defence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is the favourite to win Norway vs France?
A: France are favourites. Ranked third in the world and unbeaten in the group, they have the edge in quality, though Norway’s potent attack and the need to win make them dangerous. Both teams are already through, so the game decides who finishes top.
Q: What are the best betting odds for this match?
A: Live odds for our suggested angles (Both Teams to Score, Mbappé Anytime Scorer and Over 2.5 Goals) will be confirmed closer to kick-off. When prices are published, compare the leading World Cup betting sites for the best value.
Q: Where can I watch Norway vs France in the UK?
A: The match is scheduled for UK broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX, kicking off at 8:00pm on Friday 26 June.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
With both teams already through, Norway vs France is a shootout for top spot rather than survival — but with two of the tournament’s best attacks on show, it should be no less entertaining. France need only a draw and have the superior squad, yet Norway’s must-win mindset and the threat of Haaland make goals likely at both ends. Our preferred plays are Both Teams to Score and a Mbappé anytime goalscorer punt, with the caveat that both sides could rotate now qualification is secured. For more World Cup tips and to compare World Cup winner odds, visit our main World Cup betting pages.
Disclaimer & Responsible Gambling
All betting odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. For more information and support, visit BeGambleAware.org. You must be 18 or over to gamble.
