France and Norway meet for Group I lead as Deschamps leaves camp
France need a draw against Norway in Foxborough to win Group I, while both teams have already secured places in the World Cup knockouts.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
4 min read
France and Norway meet Friday in Foxborough with first place in World Cup Group I at stake, according to Al Jazeera. Both teams have already qualified for the round of 32 after winning their first two matches, but the result will shape their knockout draw.
Al Jazeera reported that the match will be played at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, United States, at 3 p.m. local time, or 19:00 GMT. France lead the group on goal difference after victories over Senegal and Iraq, with Norway second on the same six points.
- Match: Norway vs France
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group I
- Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, United States
- Kickoff: Friday, 3 p.m. local time, 19:00 GMT
France can win the group with a draw
Al Jazeera reported that France’s goal difference is +5, one better than Norway’s, so a draw would send Les Bleus through as group winners. Senegal and Iraq remain on zero points before their final group game, but the winner of that match could still advance as one of the best third-placed teams, depending on goal difference and results elsewhere.
The expanded 48-team World Cup has introduced a round of 32, with the top two teams in each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed sides advancing, according to Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera reported that winning Group I could put France against a third-placed qualifier, with Sweden listed as a possible opponent, and could lead to a last-16 meeting with Germany.
Al Jazeera reported that finishing second could produce a tougher route, with Ivory Coast possible in the first knockout round and Brazil or the Netherlands potentially waiting after that. England were listed by Al Jazeera as a possible quarterfinal opponent on that side of the draw.
Deschamps absent after family bereavement
France will play without head coach Didier Deschamps on the touchline. The French Football Federation said Deschamps left camp after learning Tuesday morning that his mother had died and returned to France for her funeral.
“At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone’s support,” the FFF said. Al Jazeera reported that assistant coach Guy Stephan has taken interim charge and will lead France against Norway until Deschamps returns.
Al Jazeera reported that France may rotate because of the short gap between matches, though the squad’s depth gives Stephan several options. Theo Hernandez is expected to replace Lucas Digne at left back, and France could also adjust central midfield.
Haaland and Mbappe lead the forward lines
Erling Haaland scored twice against Senegal, taking him to 59 goals in 52 Norway appearances, according to Al Jazeera. After that match, Haaland told Fox Sports he was focused on qualification rather than the France game.
“Honestly I don’t care too much. We’re through, we managed to get through, which is incredible,” Haaland told Fox Sports. “I couldn’t care too much about that game now. They’re probably going to win against us, they’re probably going to win the whole tournament.”
Kylian Mbappe scored his 16th World Cup goal in his 16th World Cup appearance against Iraq, according to Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera reported that Haaland and Mbappe are both in the Golden Boot race, with Lionel Messi currently leading.
Norway have outscored France through two matches, but Al Jazeera reported that Stale Solbakken’s side have also conceded in both games, allowing three goals in total. France’s attacking options include Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue, according to Al Jazeera.
Team news and predicted lineups
Al Jazeera reported that Norway defender Julian Ryerson is likely to miss out after leaving the Senegal match early with a thigh problem. Marcus Pedersen, who scored after coming on in that game, is expected to replace him, while Leo Ostigard and Kristian Thorstvedt are also possible options.
Al Jazeera listed Norway’s predicted lineup as: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Aursnes, Berge, Odegaard; Nusa, Haaland, Sorloth.
Al Jazeera listed France’s predicted lineup as: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola.
Al Jazeera reported that France and Norway have met 15 times over 103 years, with France winning seven, Norway four and four matches drawn. Their last meeting was a 4-0 France friendly win in 2014, when Olivier Giroud scored twice.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.