France will face Norway in their third and Group I match at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts to decide who advances as Group I leaders.
Gillette Stadium takes center stage tonight for a definitive Group I decider at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Norway and France fight to progress into the knockout phase as group leaders. Both European powerhouses enter the final matchday boasting flawless records, having comfortably dispatched Senegal and Iraq in their opening matches.
While a superior goal difference gives Les Bleus a slight advantage – meaning a draw guarantees them top spot – the encounter promises a fascinating tactical battle headlined by global icons Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, who are both chasing the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken faces selection headaches in defense with left-back Julian Ryerson ruled out due to a thigh injury. Marcus Pedersen is expected to deputize, while Leo Østigård is tipped to return at center-back. Captain Martin Ødegaard will orchestrate the midfield, aiming to feed Haaland in a direct 4-4-2 attacking blueprint.
France will be managed from the touchline by assistant Guy Stéphan, as Didier Deschamps has temporarily stepped down following a family bereavement. On the pitch, William Saliba is expected to play through a minor knock, anchoring a team that will deploy a fluid 4-2-3-1 system. Mbappé will lead a formidable frontline alongside Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise.
Statistically, analytics favor France with a 59.3% win probability, underpinned by a possession-heavy midfield that commands the center of the park. However, Norway’s counter-attacking efficiency remains lethal, with six of their seven tournament goals originating inside the penalty area. If the Norwegian defensive block can successfully disrupt Olise’s creative supply lines, Haaland’s predatory instincts could exploit France on transition.
Norway form: 3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
France form: 5 wins, 1 loss
Predicted Lineups
Norway XI (4-4-2): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Odegaard, Aursnes, Berge, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland
France XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Olise, Dembele, Doue; Mbappe
How to Watch Norway vs. France: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time
This World Cup clash kicks off Friday, June 26, at 3p.m. ET – 7p.m GMT at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
| Country | Local Kick-off Time | TV Channel / Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 3:00 PM ET (Friday) | FOX Network, FOX Sports App |
| United Kingdom | 8:00 PM BST (Friday) | ITV1, ITVX |
| France | 9:00 PM CET (Friday) | M6+, beIN Sports, myCANAL |
| Norway | 9:00 PM CET (Friday) | NRK Sport, NRK1, NRK TV |
| India | 12:30 AM IST (Saturday) | Zee5 |
| Australia | 5:00 AM AEST (Saturday) | SBS |
To check the official broadcasting schedules and specific listing channels available in your local region, please visit the official FIFA website.