Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

France vs Norway: Title Fight, Mbappé, Haaland each at Four

6/26/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

France Battles Norway

France meets Norway on June 26, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET in Foxborough for the Group I title.
France entered after 3-1 over Senegal and 3-0 over Iraq while Norway entered after 4-1 over Iraq and 3-2 over Senegal.
Mbappé and Haaland each have four Cup goals, scoring a brace in each of their two matches.
France can clinch the group with a tie on goal difference, while Norway must win to finish first.

Summary

France Benches Saliba

The match will be aired on FOX in the United States and on Telemundo and FOX One in Spanish.
English official Michael Oliver has been assigned as the referee for Friday’s Group I encounter.
Julian Ryerson left after 13 minutes against Senegal and will be replaced by Marcus Holmgren Pedersen.
France will likely sit William Saliba out after he missed training.

Summary

Norway Mulls Rest

Norway’s coaches are considering resting Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard for the knockout stage.
The plan is discussed while Norway sits 31st in FIFA rankings before its Group I match.
France, viewed as the deeper squad, will field its strength even if Norway rests its stars.
The World Cup marks Norway’s fourth appearance and its first since 1998.
Norway and France have met 16 times, with France holding a slight edge.

History

Historical Context

France’s 1998 World Cup triumph in Paris, a 3-0 final win over Brazil that gave the host its first title, marked the debut of a 32-team format. That tournament also saw Norway eliminate Brazil in the group stage, a shock that highlighted the rise of smaller nations. The 2026 Group I clash in Foxborough revisits that legacy as France and Norway meet again.

1 of 4

France Battles Norway

France meets Norway on June 26, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET in Foxborough for the Group I title.
France entered after 3-1 over Senegal and 3-0 over Iraq while Norway entered after 4-1 over Iraq and 3-2 over Senegal.
Mbappé and Haaland each have four Cup goals, scoring a brace in each of their two matches.
France can clinch the group with a tie on goal difference, while Norway must win to finish first.

1 / 4