Norway
World CupWhy this tip?
This match could be decided by moments rather than sustained pressure. If Norway stay organised and Haaland gets even a couple of clear chances, they are capable of punishing France on the break. However, France’s depth, pace and control make them slight favourites. A tight contest could still go either way, but I am leaning towards a 2-1 win for France.
Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Matchday 3
Date: 26 June 2026
Kick-off time: 21:00 (SA Time)
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Match Details
Martin Odegaard Norwegians gave another fine attacking performance in their 3-2 win against Senegal, but now they must step up against France in what will be their biggest challenge yet for Matchday 3. With first place in Group I up for grabs, both teams will surely want to preserve their undefeated streaks in this one. The match takes place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, while those watching in South Africa will get to see it on Friday, 26 June at 21:00 SA time.
Why This Match Matters
France and Norway go head-to-head to decide the winner of Group I. Unlike many of the other groups, there are no complicated scenarios. The victor of this match will end as the group winner. France has the better goal difference of +5 while Norway has a +4-goal difference. In the event of the match ending in a draw, Les Bleus will be crowned group winner on the basis of a better goal difference. France will not be thinking about anything other than the win, considering the firepower they have at their disposal.
Norway v France Head-to-Head Stats
Previous Meetings
These teams have met 14 times before with France leading the head to head record 7-3 with 4 draws. The last eight matches between the sides could not be tighter with each team winning two games with the other four ending in draws
Most Recent Match
The last meeting between the sides was in 2014 and was won 4-0 by France.
Norway’s Recent Form
Norway’s last five matches: DWDWW
Recent results include:
23/06/2026 (World Cup): Norway 3-2 Senegal
17/06/2026 (World Cup): Iraq 1-4 Norway
07/06/2026 (Friendly): Morocco 1-1 Norway
01/06/2026 (Friendly): Norway 3-1 Sweden
31/03/2026 (Friendly): Norway 0-0 Switzerland
Recent form: Norway come into this crucial match against France on a great run of form, having gone undefeated in their past five games. Norway have managed three wins and two draws from those five matches, racking up an impressive tally of 11 goals while only conceding five goals. They have made an excellent start in the World Cup, with impressive wins against Iraq and Senegal highlighting the attacking prowess of Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, and Martin Odegaard.
France’s Recent Form
France’s last five matches: WLWWW
Recent results include:
22/06/2026 (World Cup): France 3-0 Iraq
16/06/2026 (World Cup): France 3-1 Senegal
08/06/2026 (Friendly): France 3-1 Northern Ireland
04/06/2026 (Friendly): France 1-2 Ivory Coast
29/03/2026 (Friendly): Colombia 1-3 France
Recent form: France came into the World Cup on the back of a shock 2-1 friendly defeat to the Ivory Coast but have bounced back with two excellent victories. Their campaign has started perfectly with comfortable wins over Senegal and Iraq, securing qualification to the knockout stages. The likes of Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise have spearheaded a dangerous attack with six goals, while the defence has remained solid, only conceding a single goal.
Team News
Norway Team News
Norway suffered an early setback against Senegal when right-back Julian Ryerson was forced off with an injury after just 13 minutes. The defender spent the remainder of the match on the bench with an ice pack on his thigh and remains doubtful for the crucial clash with France. However, Norway have a capable replacement in Marcus Pedersen, who came on for Ryerson and marked his appearance with the opening goal.
Injuries: Aside from that concern, Ståle Solbakken appears to have a fully fit squad available for selection.
Suspensions: There are no suspensions for Norway.
Key players to watch: Norway will rely on captain Martin Odegaard to create chances with his vision and passing, while Erling Haaland remains their main goal threat with his pace and clinical finishing that has seen him net four goals so far. Alexander Sorloth adds a strong physical presence in attack, giving them a further direct option in the final third. Antonio Nusa provides speed and dribbling to stretch France’s defence, while Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes help control midfield battles and support transitions. At the back, Kristoffer Ajer and goalkeeper Orjan Nyland will be key in handling France’s attacking pressure.
France Team News
Didier Deschamps will not be on the touchline for France’s final group match after travelling home following the passing of his mother. Assistant coach Guy Stéphan is set to oversee the team against Norway and is unlikely to make major changes to the starting lineup. However, William Saliba could be rested as he continues to manage a lingering back problem. Should the Arsenal defender be left out, Ibrahima Konaté is expected to partner Dayot Upamecano in central defence.
Injuries: Malo Gusto is the only other injury concern.
Suspensions: No suspensions
Key players to watch: France will look to captain Kylian Mbappé to provide the cutting edge in attack, with his pace, movement and finishing ability that has seen him score four goals already. Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola offer speed and creativity from the flanks, while Michael Olise’s vision and technical quality can unlock even the most organised defences. In midfield, Manu Koné and Adrien Rabiot will aim to control possession and dictate the tempo of the match. At the back, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano will be tasked with containing the dangerous Norwegian strike partnership of Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth.
Predicted Lineups
Norway Predicted XI
Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappé.
France Predicted XI
Orjan Nyland; Marcus Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe; Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes; Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland.
Best Betting Markets for Norway v France
Match Winner
Prediction: France to win @ (1.69) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals @(1.67) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score- Yes @ (1.71) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Mbappe to score anytime @ (1.87) at Easybet
Norway v France Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: France to win and Over 2.5 goals @(2.45) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: Norway 1-2 France @ (9.50) at Easybet
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Match analysis and verdict
France will use their excellent midfield to feed their explosive wide players that will pin Norway deep. The likes of Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise can stretch the game instantly, so Norway will need to stay compact and disciplined without the ball. Although Norway need the win to top the group, it will be suicide if they attack all out, as Les Bleus are the best in the world on transition ball.
Norway’s best chance comes from being direct and aggressive in transition. They must look to release Martin Odegaard quickly into space so he can feed Erling Haaland before France’s defence has time to reset. If Norway allow France to settle, the pressure will become constant and difficult to withstand. Defensively, Norway will need a huge performance from Kristoffer Ajer and the back line to deal with France’s pace and movement. Stopping supply into Mbappé will be just as important as dealing with him directly, as even half a yard of space can be deadly.
This match could be decided by moments rather than sustained pressure. If Norway stay organised and Haaland gets even a couple of clear chances, they are capable of punishing France on the break. However, France’s depth, pace and control make them slight favourites. A tight contest could still go either way, but I am leaning towards a 2-1 win for France.
Prediction: Norway 1 – 2 France
Writer / Betting tipster
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