Norway vs France World Cup Prediction, Odds, Lineups & Betting Tips (26/06/2026)

The 2026 World Cup’s Group I ends with a heavyweight shootout for top spot as Norway face France in Foxborough, with both sides already through to the last 32. This Norway vs France match preview breaks down our prediction, team form, probable lineups and the latest betting markets for UK punters. Kick-off is 8pm BST on Friday 26 June, live on ITV1.

Our Prediction for Norway vs France 26/06/2026

Both teams have won their opening two games, so this Group I finale is a straight fight for first place. France lead on goal difference, meaning a draw would likely be enough for Didier Deschamps’ side to top the group. Our Norway vs France score prediction is a 2-1 win for France. Les Bleus have the greater depth and pedigree, but Erling Haaland and a confident Norway side will not go quietly in what should be an open, entertaining contest. France are favourites at around 1.60, an implied chance of about 62%, with Norway priced near 4.50 and the draw out at 4.00. The standout angle is goals. Among our Norway vs France betting tips, both teams to score looks strong, as both sides have netted in every game so far. A France win combined with both teams to score is a smart bet builder, while Kylian Mbappe to score anytime appeals given his four goals already. Deschamps may rotate, which only adds to Norway’s hopes of an upset. Predicted Scoreline: Norway 1-2 France Recommended Bet: France to Win

Norway Form Analysis

Norway have been one of the stories of the tournament, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and winning both group games. They thrashed Iraq 4-1 before edging a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal to seal qualification. The headline act is Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has already scored four goals in two matches and arrives in the form of his life, leading a physical, high-pressing front line. Behind him, captain Martin Odegaard provides the creativity, with Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa adding pace and power. This is comfortably Norway’s strongest side in a generation. The one weakness is at the back, having conceded in both matches. Against France’s array of attacking talent, that could prove costly. Even so, with a first World Cup group win since 1998 within reach, expect Stale Solbakken to name a near full-strength team and go toe to toe with the 2022 finalists in Boston.

France Form Analysis

France have been ruthless and remain among the favourites to lift the trophy. They opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal before brushing aside Iraq 3-0, with Kylian Mbappe marking his 100th cap with a brace. This is a squad of frightening depth. Mbappe leads a forward line featuring Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise, while William Saliba anchors a settled defence in front of Mike Maignan. Deschamps has options all over the pitch, so much so that there is barely room for some established stars in his strongest XI. That depth allows him to manage minutes with the knockout rounds in mind. The only question is rotation. With qualification secured, France may rest a few players, which could open the door for Norway. Even so, topping the group matters for seeding, and France have the quality to win this even if Deschamps shuffles his pack.

Norway vs France Betting Odds

The Norway vs France betting odds point to a French win but a competitive contest. France are favourites at around 1.60 to 1.62, with Norway out at 4.50 to 5.20 and the draw priced near 4.00 to 4.30. Those Norway vs France odds give France an implied chance of around 62%, shorter than usual given the threat Norway carry. The goals markets are where the interest lies. Both teams to score is a short 1.71 to 1.75, while over 2.5 goals trades near 1.64 to 1.67. For value, both teams to score stands out, as both nations have scored in every match. A Mbappe anytime scorer bet is another strong pick, and combining a France win with both teams to score offers an appealing price. As always, shop around for the best price before betting.

Market
Norway to Win	4.50	4.75	5.20	5.20
Draw	4.00	4.00	4.30	4.30
France to Win	1.62	1.62	1.60	1.60
Over 2.5 Goals	1.67	1.64	1.67	1.67
Both Teams to Score	1.71	1.71	1.75	1.75

Where to Watch Norway vs France

Everything UK viewers need to follow this Group I decider live.

Probable Lineups for Norway vs France

France are expected to make a few changes with the knockouts in mind. Here is the probable Norway vs France lineup, with Solbakken’s 4-3-3 set to face Deschamps’ 4-3-3. Both squads are free of major injury concerns, though France may rotate more heavily having effectively topped the section already.

Best Bookmakers for Norway vs France

Four bookmakers stand out for this fixture, each offering strong World Cup coverage and competitive prices for UK bettors. Highbet and Mogobet price France at 1.60, marginally bigger than Luckymate and 7bet at 1.62. On Norway, Highbet and Mogobet offer the best value at 5.20, ahead of 7bet at 4.75 and Luckymate at 4.50, while both teams to score sits around 1.71 to 1.75 across the board. For a fuller rundown of trusted operators, sign-up offers and tournament markets, see our guide to the best World Cup betting sites. Odds are subject to change, so always confirm the current price with the bookmaker before betting. 18+ Please gamble responsibly.

The Last Encounters Between Norway and France

This is the first time Norway and France have ever met at a World Cup, which adds a fresh edge to the contest. They are not strangers, though, having faced each other 16 times at senior level. France hold the historical advantage with seven wins to Norway’s five, and four draws. The goals tally between them is remarkably even, underlining a closer rivalry than the rankings suggest. The most recent meeting was a one-sided friendly, with France winning 4-0 in 2014. Much has changed since then, and this current Norway side, built around Haaland and Odegaard, is far stronger. With both teams flying, history counts for little in Boston.

Norway vs France Group I Standings

Group I has gone to form, with France and Norway both winning their opening two games to qualify with a match to spare. The Norway vs France standings show France top on six points, narrowly ahead of Norway on goal difference, with Senegal and Iraq both eliminated on zero. That means this decider is all about first place and seeding. France need only a draw to top the group, while Norway must win to finish first for the first time at a World Cup. Under the 48-team format, group winners can earn a kinder knockout route, so both sides have plenty to play for despite their qualification being secure.

Norway and France Players in English Football

This fixture is packed with names familiar to UK fans, with the Premier League heavily represented. Norway are led by Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, with Fulham’s Sander Berge and Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer also in the squad. France boast Arsenal defender William Saliba and a host of stars spread across Europe’s elite, including Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, though talisman Kylian Mbappe now plies his trade at Real Madrid.

The EFL Connection: Championship Roots and a Familiar Face

Norway carry the stronger EFL flavour. Midfielder Sander Berge made his name in England with Sheffield United and Burnley, while Sondre Langas now plays for Derby County in the Championship and goalkeeper Egil Selvik is at Watford. There is a managerial link too, as Norway boss Stale Solbakken once had a spell in charge of Wolves during their Championship years. France’s talent is concentrated in the Premier League and Europe’s top leagues rather than the EFL, so it is the Norwegians who offer more for lower-league followers in Boston.