World Cup 2026: France vs Norway Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

France meet Norway at Gillette Stadium near Boston in a Group I finale that decides top spot, with kickoff at 21:00 CAT on Friday. Both teams are already through to the knockouts on six points, so this is a shootout for first place and a kinder route through the bracket. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

France

France have looked the part in winning both their games, including a 3-0 dismissal of Iraq, and they top the group on goal difference. From my point of view Didier Deschamps will want first place in what is his final tournament in charge, so I expect a strong side rather than wholesale rotation. Kylian Mbappe is in sharp form and operates in a roaming role up front, with Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise providing width and William Saliba screening the back four. Only Hugo Ekitike is a notable absentee, so France have close to a full deck to chase the win they want.

Predicted Lineup: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Barcola, Dembele, Olise; Mbappe.

Norway

Norway have surprised many by reaching the last 32 with two wins, including a 3-2 victory over Senegal in which Erling Haaland again delivered with two goals. In my opinion Stale Solbakken will fancy his side's chances of snatching top spot, even though they carry fitness concerns over Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge and Alexander Sorloth. Haaland remains the focal point and Norway are dangerous on the transition, which suits a game where France will see most of the ball. They will need their talisman at his ruthless best to take something from this.

Predicted Lineup: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Berge; Ødegaard, Aursnes; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa.

France have the deeper, more balanced squad and a manager determined to finish top of the group, and I expect them to control long spells through Mbappe and Dembele. Norway will always carry a threat while Haaland is on the pitch, so I am not expecting a clean sheet. I see France doing enough in an entertaining, open game. My forecast: France 2 Norway 1.

Over 2.5 Goals (1.69)

I am backing over 2.5 goals and my read on this is that two attack-minded sides with nothing to fear will produce chances at both ends. France have scored freely and Norway have Haaland to lean on, while neither side needs to sit deep with qualification already secured. At 1.69 the value sits with goals in a game both teams want to win.