Norway faces France in Group I on June 26, 2026, at Boston Stadium in Boston. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET, and France is a slight favorite in the betting market.
Match Preview
This is one of the key fixtures of Group I. Norway arrives with direct attacking power—FFranc brings stronger depth, more control, and bigger tournament experience.
Norway is likely to line up in a 4-3-3. The projected XI includes Ørjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe; Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg; Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland, and Oscar Bobb.
France is also expected to use a 4-3-3. Their probable XI includes Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernández; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, Eduardo Camavinga; Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé, and Ousmane Dembélé.
That gives the match a classic structure. Norway will try to play vertically and attack early. France should look to control possession and isolate Norway’s attack line.
Key Players to Watch
Erling Haaland is the biggest name on the pitch. His finishing and movement in the box can punish any small defensive mistake. Martin Ødegaard is the other Norwegian driver.
Ødegaard’s passing can unlock France’s defensive shape. If he finds space between the lines, Norway can create real danger. Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb also give Norway pace on both sides.
For France, Kylian Mbappé remains the headline act. He can turn a balanced match into a French advantage in seconds. Ousmane Dembélé adds dribbling and unpredictability from wide areas.
Aurélien Tchouaméni is equally important. He shields the defense and stops Norway’s counters before they build. If he wins that battle, France can control the game tempo.
Head-to-Head Record
France and Norway have played eight times in the available head-to-head data. France holds the edge with four wins, while Norway has none, and three matches have ended level.
The broader record favors France, even before you add squad depth. Norway has improved, but history still points toward the French.
Prediction & Odds
The betting market leans toward France. ESPN lists France at -140, Norway at +350, and the draw at +285. Another ESPN market view shows France at -125 and the draw at +265.
That pricing suggests a competitive but France-favored contest. Norway can threaten through Haaland, but France has more ways to win.
A 2-1 France win looks like the best call. A 1-1 draw is the main upset path if Norway slows the pace and defends well.
How to Watch (TV channels by region)
In the USA, FOX and FS1 are the main English-language broadcasters for the World Cup. FOX also lists this match on FOX One for streaming. That gives U.S. viewers both cable and streaming options.
In the UK, broadcaster guides still list BBC and ITV for World Cup coverage. In the Arab world, beIN Sports has the rights and will show the match.
France may have the stronger squad on paper. Norway’s pace and Haaland’s finishing make this a real test.
