Norway vs France Preview: TV Channel, Kick-off Time, Predicted Line Ups & How to Watch & Bet on World Cup 2026 Matches
James Milton
Top spot in the group is up for grabs and France's superior goal difference means a draw would be enough for Les Bleus to qualify as section winners. Norway and France's campaigns have followed a similar pattern.
France, the World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, beat Senegal 3-1 in a tough opener before outclassing Iraq 3-0 despite a two-hour delay in Philadelphia due to lightning. Norway thumped Iraq 4-1 and saw off Senegal 3-2 and star strikers Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have both made fabulous starts to the tournament, scoring four goals in two group games.
Neutrals are eager to see the Golden Boot contenders face off on Friday, although France coach Didier Deschamps, who will miss the match after the death of his mother, may rest some of his first-choice players with qualification assured. That was the case at the last two World Cups, in which France also won their first two group games.
Deschamps made six changes for a goalless draw with Denmark on matchday three in 2018 and nine changes in 2022, when his side suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Tunisia. Those examples suggest Les Bleus should be opposed against a Norway side who qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 in sensational style.
Haaland's 16 goals powered them to eight wins out of eight, including 3-0 and 4-1 victories over Italy, and they continue to impress at the finals. The Manchester City striker scored twice in the opening win over Iraq and produced a couple of lovely finishes to put his side in charge against Senegal on Tuesday.
Stale Solbakken's men came through a tricky challenge against the Lions of Teranga, who gave France a scare in the first half on matchday one. Norway had to overcome an early setback as influential right-back Julian Ryerson went off injured in the 13th minute.
His replacement Marcus Pedersen opened the scoring just before half-time and the Norwegians closed out a 3-2 victory despite Ismaila Sarr's second-half brace. There are still doubts over Norway's defence against top-class opponents. But they were worthy winners against Senegal as Haaland hit the post and captain Martin Odegaard missed a good chance in the first half.
France turned on the style after half-time against Senegal on matchday one and their attacking depth makes them serious trophy contenders. If star men Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele are rested, France can still unleash forwards of the quality of Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Rayan Cherki and Marcus Thuram.
However, Norway are also full of confidence and favourite backers may be wary of the fact that Les Bleus do not need to win in order to top the group. Arsenal skipper Odegaard looks a good bet to register his third assist of the World Cup, having set up seven goals in just five qualifying starts for Norway.
His corner was headed in by centre-back Leo Ostigard in the win over Iraq and he set up Haaland's first goal against Senegal with a cute through ball. Odegaard averaged an assist every 229 minutes during Arsenal's triumphant Premier League campaign and has made a fine start to his first World Cup.
What time is Norway vs France?
Norway play France tonight, Friday 26th June, at Boston Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.
How can I watch Norway vs France?
You can watch Norway vs France live on ITV 1 and ITVX.
You can also view all 104 World Cup 2026 matches on LiveScore Bet online. You’ll have access to live match stats, plus all the latest in-play odds.
All you need is a LiveScore Bet account and one of the following:
A funded account
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You can also follow Norway vs France on livescore.com and listen to live commentary using the LiveScore app from 8:00PM BST.
When do the line-ups go live?
The official teams will be confirmed at approximately 6.45pm BST, 75 minutes before kick-off. Head to the official LiveScore app or website to see the line-ups.
Norway vs France Predictions Line-ups
Norway (4-3-3) Ø. Nyland; M. Pedersen, K. Ajer, L. Østigård, D. Møller Wolfe; M. Ødegaard, S. Berge, F. Aursnes; A. Sørloth, E. Haaland, A. Nusa
France (4-2-3-1) M. Maignan; J. Koundé, D. Upamecano, W. Saliba, T. Hernández; A. Tchouaméni, A. Rabiot; O. Dembélé, M. Olise, D. Doué; K. Mbappé
