FIFA World Cup 2026: France Aim for Perfect Record, Norway Chase History in Group I Decider

The FIFA World Cup will witness a historic first meeting between Norway and France in the men’s tournament as the two sides battle for supremacy in Group I.

Both teams have already secured progression to the last 32, but Friday’s clash carries high stakes with top spot on the line.

France enter the match as favourites, yet Norway have emerged as one of the most exciting teams in the group, creating more big chances than any other side in Group I, surpassing their tally from their last World Cup appearance in 1998.

The spotlight will inevitably fall on Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, two of the game’s brightest stars.

Haaland, fresh from scoring twice against Senegal, is chasing history as he aims to become only the third player to score multiple goals in each of his first three World Cup appearances.

Mbappé, meanwhile, continues his remarkable scoring run, having netted 16 goals in 16 World Cup matches, equalling Miroslav Klose’s record before Lionel Messi moved ahead with 18.

France will be without head coach Didier Deschamps, who has returned home following the death of his mother. Assistant coach Guy Stéphan will lead the team, hoping to guide Les Bleus to a perfect group stage record, something last achieved in 1998, the year France lifted the trophy on home soil.

Norway, under Ståle Solbakken, are expected to rotate their squad after a gruelling win over Senegal left several players struggling with cramp.

Historically, France have dominated this fixture, winning 4-0 in their last meeting in a 2014 friendly. Norway’s last competitive victory over Les Bleus came in 1987, but they have never beaten a European nation at the World Cup.

France, conversely, have won their last five matches against European opposition, including triumphs over England, Croatia, and Belgium.