Norway v France: 2026 World Cup Prediction

Norway and France are having an impressive 2026 World Cup campaign and seem to be facing off at exactly the right moment. Both teams won their first two group stage matches and boast forwards who are virtually unstoppable. We’re ready for a thrilling showdown between the Norwegians’ hunger and the experience of Les Bleus. Haaland and Mbappé are sharing the spotlight for now, but only one can finish as group winner. Here’s our Norway vs. France prediction.

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Norway vs. France Preview

In Group I, the top spot is on the line when Norway and France face off. Both teams have won their first two matches and have already secured a spot in the knockout stage. France leads the group on goal difference (+5), followed by Norway (+4). The winner takes the group title, while a draw is enough for Les Bleus to stay on top. Here’s a brief look at both teams.

Current Form & Team News

Norway

Norway are currently enjoying a 2026 World Cup campaign to dream of. The Scandinavians kicked off with a 4-1 victory over Iraq and continued their fine form with a spectacular 3-2 win against Senegal. Erling Haaland is in sensational form with four goals in two matches, whilst Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, the former Feyenoord right-back, also scored his first goal for the Norwegian national team. As a result, the Lions are on six points. Will we see the Norwegians rowing in the stands again, just like in the old days?

France

So far, France are fully living up to their role as favourites. Les Bleus beat Senegal 3-1 and then proved too strong for Iraq, winning 3-0. Kylian Mbappé was the standout player in both matches and has now scored four World Cup goals, whilst Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé also got on the scoresheet. Kylian Mbappé’s performance, in particular, has been of unprecedented class. He has now scored sixteen World Cup goals and looks set to be the prime candidate to break Lionel Messi’s record in the future. Will he be able to score against the Norwegians too?

Head-to-Head

On paper, France are the clear favourites, but their head-to-head record is surprisingly even. In sixteen previous meetings, Norway have actually won seven times, compared with five French victories. The last two matches were also thrilling affairs: a 2–1 win for Norway in 2010 and a convincing 4–0 victory for France in 2014.

Predicted line-ups

Norway (4–3–3):

Nyland, Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer, Ryerson, Aursnes, Berge, Ødegaard, Nusa, Haaland, Sørloth

France (4-3-2-1):

Maignan, Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne, Rabiot, Koné; Dembélé, Olise, Barcola, Mbappé

Norway v France betting tips

Betting tip 1: Over 3.5 goals

If there’s one match that promises goals, it’s this one. Norway have already scored seven goals in two matches, whilst France have netted six. What’s more, both Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé are in absolutely top form. That’s why we expect another open and entertaining match. A bet on over 3.5 goals at Oranje Palace offers odds of 2.70.

Betting tip 2: Erling Haaland to score a goal

Can we really ignore Erling Haaland? Not really. It’s a betting tip that might seem obvious, but we wouldn’t want to deprive you of odds of 2.60 on a goal from one of the world’s best strikers. With four goals in two World Cup matches, he’s in the form of his life. Will he do the same against the French? We think so. A goal by Erling Haaland will earn you odds of 2.50 at Oranje Palace.

Norway v France Prediction

** Final score: Norway 2–2 France **
Norway must win, France can afford a draw. That is simply the conclusion when it comes to topping Group I. The French may well want to give some players a bit of extra rest, something we shouldn’t rule out for someone like Martin Ødegaard either. We therefore think the French will settle for a draw – though one in which the attacking prowess of both teams is on full display.