France meet Norway in Group I decider as Mbappé and Haaland go head-to-head

The final matchday of Group I at the FIFA World Cup 2026 sets up one of the tournament's most anticipated contests on Friday (26 June) as France face Norway at Boston Stadium, with top spot and a potentially easier path to the round of 32 at stake.

France head into the fixture with maximum points from their opening two matches and need only a draw to finish atop the group. 

Norway, meanwhile, have already booked their place in the knockout stage but must beat Les Bleus to leapfrog them into first place.

Both sides defeated Senegal and Iraq in their opening two matches, setting up a winner-takes-all battle for the group's summit.

France have looked composed throughout the group stage, combining defensive discipline with clinical attacking play. Their squad depth has allowed them to rotate without sacrificing quality, making them one of the most balanced teams in the tournament.

Norway, however, have impressed with their attacking intent. Led by the prolific Erling Haaland, they have consistently created chances through quick transitions and direct football, although defensive lapses have prevented them from producing complete performances.

The spotlight is expected to fall on the marquee duel between Kylian Mbappé and Haaland, two of world football's biggest stars, whose performances could prove decisive in determining the group winner.

France's tactical approach revolves around controlling possession before striking with pace in transition. Mbappé remains their primary attacking threat, supported by the creativity of Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, while Aurélien Tchouaméni anchors the midfield with his physical presence and composure on the ball.

Norway's game plan is built around Martin Ødegaard's vision and Haaland's movement inside the penalty area. Quick vertical passes and rapid counter-attacks have been their main weapons throughout the tournament.

Norway are expected to make at least one defensive change, with Marcus Pedersen likely to replace the injured Julian Ryerson, while further midfield rotation remains possible depending on fitness.

France could also make a handful of changes as they manage workloads ahead of the knockout stage, though their overall structure is unlikely to change significantly. The defensive line may be reshuffled, while midfield rotation is also under consideration.

Les Bleus' preparations have continued under the guidance of the assistant coaching staff following the temporary absence of head coach Didier Deschamps.

Probable XI

Norway: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Møller Wolfe; Aursnes, Berge, Ødegaard; Nusa, Haaland, Sørloth.

France: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernández; Tchouaméni, Kanté, Rabiot; Dembélé, Mbappé, Barcola