Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland will go head-to-head in a crucial World Cup 2026 Group I match on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Both teams have won their opening two matches, with France topping the table by a single goal. The winner will secure a more favourable round of 32 tie.
France Team News and Predicted XI
Didier Deschamps made three changes for the 3-0 win over Iraq after 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. For the Norway clash, these decisions could be reversed. Mike Maignan remains in goal, with Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and Hernandez forming the first-choice defence. Tchouameni is likely to return to midfield, while the left-wing spot is a coin flip between Barcola and Doue. Michael Olise played as the No.10 against Iraq, swapping with Ousmane Dembele, who shifted to the right.
Predicted France XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe.
Norway Team News and Predicted XI
Stale Solbakken typically uses a lop-sided 4-4-2 that can become a 4-3-3. Orjen Nyland, former Aston Villa goalkeeper, continues as No.1. Julian Ryerson and David Moller Wolfe are the full-backs, with Kristoffer Ajer and Torbjorn Heggem as the centre-back pairing. Martin Odegaard plays a free-roaming role off the right, similar to his Arsenal position, moving into pockets of space. Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes complete the midfield trio, providing defensive cover. Antonio Nusa is the out-and-out winger, using pace on the counter, while Alexander Sorloth adds physical presence and can drift into right channels.
Predicted Norway XI (4-4-2): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Odegaard, Aursnes, Berge, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland.
Match Details and Broadcast
Date and time: 8pm on Friday, June 26, 2026. Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts. TV: ITV.
