France and Norway will clash in a decisive World Cup 2026 Group I match on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Both teams have maximum points from their opening two games, but France tops the group by a single goal difference. The match will feature two of the world's best strikers, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, both aiming to overtake Lionel Messi as the tournament's top scorer.
France's Team News and Predicted Lineup
Didier Deschamps made three changes for the 3-0 win over Iraq, following a 3-1 victory against Senegal. Manu Kone partnered Adrien Rabiot in midfield, with Aurelien Tchouameni dropping to the bench. Bradley Barcola started over Desire Doue on the left flank, and Lucas Digne replaced Theo Hernandez at left-back. However, these changes could be reversed for the Norway match as France seeks to secure a favorable round of 32 tie.
Mike Maignan remains in goal, protected by a first-choice defense of Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and Hernandez. Tchouameni is likely to return to the starting XI for such a crucial game, while the choice between Barcola and Doue remains uncertain. Michael Olise played as a No.10 in the last match, swapping positions with Ousmane Dembele, who moved to the right wing.
Predicted France XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe.
Norway's Team News and Predicted Lineup
Norway manager Stale Solbakken typically uses a lopsided 4-4-2 that can shift into a 4-3-3. Orjen Nyland, the former Aston Villa goalkeeper, starts as No.1, with Julian Ryerson and David Moller Wolfe as full-backs. Kristoffer Ajer and Torbjorn Heggem form the central defensive pairing. Martin Odegaard operates in a free role off the right, drifting into central pockets to create chances, similar to his role at Arsenal. Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes provide midfield cover and defensive work.
Antonio Nusa is the primary winger, using his pace on the counter to support Haaland. Alexander Sorloth can drift into right channels and adds a physical presence in the box.
Predicted Norway XI (4-4-2): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Odegaard, Aursnes, Berge, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland.
Match Details and How to Watch
The match kicks off at 8pm on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Gillette Stadium. It will be broadcast live on ITV in the UK.
