World Cup 2026: Norway and France meet at Gillette Stadium in decisive Group I clash

Norway host France on June 26, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. GMT+1 at Gillette Stadium in Boston for a major World Cup 2026 group-stage showdown. The match pits two in-form teams against each other, with each having won its first two matches in Group I, strengthening their ambitions of qualifying for the knockout rounds.

Norway, back at the World Cup after a 28-year absence, are confirming their revival with a perfect record of two wins, including a 3-2 victory over Senegal. France, four-time world champions, continue their momentum after a controlled 1-0 win over Iraq. Both teams therefore have six points, and victory tonight would leave the winner alone at the top of the group.

This meeting is crucial for the rest of the tournament. Norway are aiming to secure their place in the knockout rounds for the first time since 1998. France, for their part, want to confirm their status as group favourites and continue their push toward a third world title. Both teams have solid defences but also attacks capable of imposing their tempo.

The match will be played at one of the United States’ renowned venues, Gillette Stadium. The 4-2-3-1 setup chosen by both coaches, Ståle Solbakken for Norway and Didier Deschamps for France, points to a tactical duel between Norway’s attacking game and a French structure seeking balance.

Focus on Norway

Norway name a starting XI in a 4-2-3-1 formation under the technical direction of Ståle Solbakken. Goalkeeper Egil Selvik protects the goal. In defence, Fredrik Aursnes, Henrik Sælebakke Falchener, Leo Østigård and Fredrik André Bjørkan line up. The ball-winning midfield duo consists of Kristian Thorstvedt and Patrick Berg.

Ahead of them, the attacking trio of Oscar Bobb, Thelo Aasgaard and Andreas Schjelderup drives the creative and supply line. Up front, Jørgen Strand Larsen occupies the centre-forward role. The big star of qualifying, Erling Haaland, will wait on the bench, which may come as a surprise given that he is Norway’s major attacking asset with his 16 goals in qualifying.

Focus on France

Didier Deschamps also opts for a 4-2-3-1 system. Mike Maignan starts in goal. The defence is made up of Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix and Theo Hernández. The double pivot is occupied by Aurélien Tchouaméni and Manu Koné.

The attacking trio behind Kylian Mbappé, who leads the attack, brings together Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Désiré Doué. This unit blends experience and explosiveness, all orchestrated by the long-serving coach who will be taking charge at his final World Cup. The return of key players such as Koundé and Upamecano brings stability to a team determined to control its destiny in this competitive group.

Norway

First half 10' 0-1 Gillette Stadium

France

26/06/2026 20:00 · Group I

Group I schedule

View full schedule

View match details for France - Senegal

16/06 Group I

France

Finished 3-1 MetLife Stadium

Senegal

View match details for Iraq - Norway

16/06 Group I

Iraq

Finished 1-4 Gillette Stadium

Norway

View match details for France - Iraq

22/06 Group I

France

Upcoming 1-0 Lincoln Financial Field

Iraq

View match details for Norway - Senegal

23/06 Group I

Norway

Finished 3-2 MetLife Stadium

Senegal

View match details for Norway - France

26/06 Group I

Norway

First half 10' 0-1 Gillette Stadium

France

View match details for Senegal - Iraq

26/06 Group I

Senegal

First half 9' 1-0 BMO Field

Iraq