Norway vs France prediction, lineups, odds and betting tips for Friday's World Cup clash. Get the best bet builder picks and expert match analysis here.
Norway vs France Match Summary
Competition | FIFA World Cup |
|---|---|
Match Date | Friday 26 June 2026 |
Match Time | 20:00 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Boston Stadium |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | ITV 1, RTE 2 |
This Group I finale pits Norway against France at Boston Stadium, with both already through to the last 32 and top spot the only prize left to settle.
Norway are back at a World Cup for the first time in 28 years and have made it count, taking maximum points from their opening two outings to sit second on goal difference.
France, the 2018 winners, have also won twice and lead the group. Les Bleus only need a draw to finish top, thanks to their superior goal difference.
It shapes up as a direct shootout for first place, with France clear favourites yet plenty of goals expected from two confident, in-form sides.
Norway vs France Form
Norway could not have asked for a better start, beating Iraq and then edging Senegal to win both group games. Erling Haaland is in red-hot nick with back-to-back braces, while Martin Odegaard pulls the strings in the engine room. The defence has looked open, though, shipping goals in both outings.
France carry serious momentum after seeing off Senegal and Iraq, conceding just once across the pair. Kylian Mbappe is flying with four goals already, fed regularly by the creative Michael Olise. Les Bleus have not had to flex their muscles yet, but their defensive control has been stubborn and hard to break down.
Norway vs France Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
Norway: Julian Ryerson (doubtful, thigh)
France: No injuries or suspensions reported.
Norway
Norway are likely to stick with the side that has served them so well so far. The one question mark is Julian Ryerson, who hobbled off against Senegal with a thigh problem, and Marcus Pedersen is in line to come in if he cannot recover.
France
With qualification already secured, France may freshen things up. Desire Doue looks set for a recall, while Rayan Cherki will be hoping for his first start of the tournament after impressing from the bench.
Norway vs France Predicted Lineup
Norway
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: Nyland; Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer, Pedersen; Aursnes, Berge, Odegaard; Nusa, Haaland, Sorloth
France
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: Maignan; Hernandez, Upamecano, Saliba, Kounde; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Doue, Olise, Dembele; Mbappe
Norway vs France Key Stats & Match Facts
France are clear favourites, with a 58% win chance against 20% for Norway, according to the match predictions.
Both teams to score is rated at a 60% chance, pointing to goals at both ends.
Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are tied at the top of the tournament scoring charts with four goals each.
France lead Group I on goal difference, so a draw is enough for them to finish top.
The two nations have met just twice on record, sharing one win apiece.
Norway vs France Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: France have looked the sharper, more controlled side and only need a draw to top the group, but they have the firepower to win it outright. With both attacks firing, we fancy a France win in a game with goals. Our prediction: Norway 1-2 France.
Best Bets
France are the standout call to take the points, and 4/6 with AK Bets fairly reflects their edge in this fixture given they have won eight of their last ten outings.
With Haaland and Mbappe both in scoring form and the defences looking far from watertight, both teams to score Yes at 3/4 with Bet365 makes plenty of sense.
Norway vs France Bet Builder
Our four-leg bet builder leans into the tournament's two star men, backing Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to score, Mbappe over 3.5 shots and France to net more than one goal.
Haaland is the focal point of everything Norway do going forward and has found the net in each of his first two World Cup outings, so anytime goalscorer is a natural starting point.
Mbappe is the obvious anytime goalscorer pick too, leading the scoring charts with four goals and showing no signs of slowing down for France.
Mbappe over 3.5 shots fits his game perfectly, as he consistently racks up a high volume of attempts whenever he starts for Les Bleus.
France over 1.5 team goals rounds it off nicely, with a powerful attack that has scored three in each of their opening two group games.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 7/1 and is as short as 4.09/1 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £29 from best to worst price.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
Norway vs France Talking Points
This is a straight shootout for top spot in Group I, with France ahead on goal difference and a draw enough to keep them there. The headline act is the duel between Haaland and Mbappe, level at the summit of the Golden Boot race on four goals apiece. There is an emotional layer to the French camp too, with assistant Guy Stephan taking charge as the side look to deliver on a meaningful night. It is also the first time these nations have met in the finals of a major tournament, adding a fresh edge to a fixture brimming with quality.
Norway vs France Predictions FAQs
When is the Norway vs France World Cup match?
The Norway vs France World Cup match is scheduled to take place on Friday 26 June 2026, kicking off at 20:00 UK time.
What time does Norway vs France kick off?
The match between Norway and France kicks off at 20:00 UK time on Friday 26 June 2026.
Where can I find the lineups for Norway vs France?
Confirmed lineups for Norway vs France will be released approximately one hour before the match starts on Friday 26 June 2026.
What is the prediction for Norway vs France?
This highly anticipated World Cup fixture between Norway and France is expected to be a competitive encounter as both teams aim for a crucial victory.
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