Norway and France clash in the top of table clash in Group I. Les Bleus are favourites but the Norwegians have been a breath of fresh air in their first World Cup in 28 years.
Norway vs France best bets
Norway vs France head to head overview
- Date: Friday, 25th June 2026
- Kick-off: 8pm
- Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, USA
- Where to watch: ITV, ITVx, STV, STV Player
- Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
- Last meeting: France 4-0 Norway (May 2014)
- Favourite to win: France – 8/13 with Paddy Power
Norway vs France predicted lineups
- Norway expected lineup (4-3-3): Nyland (GK); Holmgren Pedersen, Ajer, Ostigard, Bjorkan; Berge, Odegaard (c), Thorstvedt; Nusa, Haaland, Schjelderup
- France expected lineup (4-3-3): Maignan (GK); Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe (c), Barcola
Norway vs France prediction
Both Norway and France have already secured their places in the round of 32 after winning their opening two Group I fixtures, but the stakes are still high with top of the group on the line, and, with it, earns a potentially more favourable knockout draw.
France lead the way on goal difference, with six goals scored and one conceded across two matches. Norway are level on six points but trail on goal difference, so only a win would put them through in first place.
For a Norway side returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, claiming top spot against one of, if not, *the* tournament favourites would put down a serious statement of intent ahead of the knockout rounds.
Stale Solbakken’s side beat Iraq 4-1 before overcoming Senegal 3-2, with Haaland scoring four goals across those two fixtures. The pace, directness and physical presence they carry offers any opponent problems, and they arrive at Gillette Stadium full of confidence.
France, managed by Didier Deschamps, have been more methodical than explosive.
Three goals apiece against Senegal and Iraq showcase an attacking side with real depth. But Deschamps may rotate with one eye on the knockout stages, which means, siding with the French brings uncertainty around how much they will go all out for a win here.
Norway vs France betting tips
Thuram to score first World Cup goal
A potential reshuffle of the France starting XI, could leave the door open for Inter’s Marcus Thuram to make his first start of the campaign.
This is Thuram’s second World Cup, having made the squad in 2022. But as of yet hasn’t scored in six appearances.
The 28-year-old bagged 13 league goals in Serie A as Inter won the Scudetto. Deschamps could hand him significant minutes and may be the value play to find the back of the net.
Haaland in the mix again
Erling Haaland has taken his first World Cup like a duck to water. Four goals in two games leaves him one shy in the Golden Boot race.
Norway have been the team in the ascendancy in their opening two matches, and may not enjoy as much possession or territory against this very strong France side.
That being said, Haaland has always managed to maximise his chances in front of goal. The French have been solid so far this tournament but haven’t faced a forward of the calibre of Haaland yet.
He could spring a surprise and open the scoring despite, as we imagine, France start on the front foot.
Norway vs France latest odds
Find the latest Norway vs France betting odds here. Odds are provided by Paddy Power and are subject to change.
- Norway – 10/3
- Draw – 7/2
- France – 8/13
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