Norway vs France — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 3
Venue
To be confirmed
Date
Friday, 26 June 2026
Kickoff
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Norway against France headlines Group I, a contest between Erling Haaland's power and the depth of the reigning runners-up. Ståle Solbakken's Norway, finally back on the big stage, also boast Martin Ødegaard pulling strings behind Haaland.
France, under Didier Deschamps, remain laden with talent — Kylian Mbappé leading the line, Aurélien Tchouaméni screening, William Saliba commanding the defence.
Norway's directness through Haaland against France's all-round quality makes this a potential group-stage showpiece.
Key storylines
- 01Haaland vs Saliba — a heavyweight individual duel
- 02Ødegaard and Mbappé, two superstars on opposite sides
- 03Top spot in Group I likely on the line
Prediction
Kickoff editorial call
Norway 1-2 France
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Norway
Formation 4-3-3- 1Ø. Nyland
- 2K. Ajer
