Norway vs. France projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup 2026 Group I game at Gillette Stadium

Norway and France meet on Friday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough in a World Cup Group I game that doubles as one of the most mouth-watering individual duels of the tournament: Erling Haaland against Kylian Mbappe.

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Both teams have already booked their place in the Round of 32 after winning their opening two fixtures, so this is no longer about survival. It is about top spot, and the kinder route through the knockout bracket that comes with it. France lead the group on goal difference, meaning a draw would be enough for Les Bleus, while Norway know that only a win will see them finish first.

There is an individual subplot, too. Mbappe and Haaland have each scored four goals in two games, locked together at the top of the Golden Boot race alongside Lionel Messi. For Norway, simply being here is a story in itself — a first World Cup since 1998 — but Stale Solbakken’s side have arrived with genuine ambition rather than just relief.

Here is how we expect the teams to line up.

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Norway projected starting 11

(4-3-3, right to left): 1. O. Nyland (GK) — 2. J. Ryerson, 5. K. Ajer, 6. L. Ostigard, 3. D. Moller Wolfe — 8. S. Berge, 18. P. Berg, 10. M. Odegaard — 20. A. Nusa, 9. E. Haaland, 23. O. Bobb

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None
• On yellow card: 

Norway have been one of the stories of the group stage, Stale Solbakken will be tempted to keep faith with the side that has racked up seven goals in two games. The dual threat of captain Martin Odegaard pulling the strings and Haaland leading the line gives Norway a spine that would walk into most teams at the tournament.

The decision for Solbakken is how to balance ambition with caution against France’s attacking riches. Antonio Nusa and Oscar Bobb offer pace on either flank to feed Haaland, but Norway will need Sander Berge and Patrick Berg to protect a back four that has not yet faced an attack of this quality. Get tight to Mbappe and Dembele, and trust Haaland to do the rest.

France projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 16. M. Maignan (GK) — 5. J. Kounde, 17. W. Saliba, 4. D. Upamecano, 22. T. Hernandez — 8. A. Tchouameni, 14. A. Rabiot — 7. M. Olise, 20. D. Doue, 11. O. Dembele — 10. K. Mbappe

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None
• On yellow card: 

The headache for Didier Deschamps, in his final tournament in charge, is a welcome one: how to fit so much attacking talent into one team. Mbappe captains the side and is chasing both the Golden Boot and the all-time scoring record, with Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Desire Doue all jostling for the supporting roles.

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With qualification secured, France could rotate, but the prize of top spot and momentum will likely tempt them to name a strong side. The one area of relative weakness is central midfield, where Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot will be tasked with screening the defence and, crucially, keeping Odegaard quiet. If France’s front four click, few defences in the world can contain them.

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Norway vs. France predictions, betting odds

France are favorites, and rightly so. They have more quality across the pitch than any side in the group, the experience of back-to-back World Cup finals and a forward line capable of winning any game in a matter of minutes. With a draw enough to secure top spot, they hold all the aces.

Norway, though, are no longer happy just to be here. Haaland is in the form of his life and, with Odegaard alongside him, they have the firepower to trouble a French midfield that remains the team’s one question mark. Expect an open, attacking game between two sides who both want to win it. France’s depth should just about tell, but Norway will make them work.

• Score prediction: Norway 1-2 France

Norway vs. France World Cup rosters

Here are the names on the Norway vs. France World Cup rosters, as named for the 2026 tournament.

Norway World Cup roster

Head coach: Stale Solbakken

France World Cup roster

Head coach: Didier Deschamps

Where to watch Norway vs. France

•  TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo,Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

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Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: