Norway (2-0-0) and France (2-0-0) will clash to determine the World Cup Group I winner on Friday, June 26. The match kicks off at 3:00 PM ET from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
With a more favorable path in the knockout stage on the line, both teams have everything to play for.
France is a -170 betting favorite on the moneyline; the over/under is 2.5 (-162o / +132u) goals.
Let’s get into my Norway vs France prediction.
Norway vs France Prediction
Pick: Both Teams to Score – Yes (-133 at bet365)
My Norway vs France best bet is for both teams to score. The offensive talent on display, including two of the world's premier strikers in Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, suggests goals are highly probable for both sides.
Norway vs France Odds
| France Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +154 | 2.5 -162o / 132u | -170 |
| Norway Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -200 | 2.5 -162o / 132u | +380 |
Norway vs France World Cup Preview
With both Norway and France having already secured their places in the Round of 32, the primary motivation in this match is to finish first in the group. France holds the advantage on goal difference, meaning Norway must win to claim the top spot. This dynamic could lead to an open and attacking contest, especially in the later stages if the score is level.
France possesses significantly more depth and overall quality throughout its squad, which should give them an edge. While the focus will be on the superstar forwards, the midfield battle will be crucial. Defensively, Norway has shown vulnerability. The Vikings have an expected goals against (xGA) of 2.52 through two games, more than double France's 1.15 xGA. This suggests that France's potent attack will find opportunities to exploit Norway's backline.
Historically, these two nations have not met in a competitive fixture since the qualifiers for the 1990 tournament. In their last ten official meetings, France has won six, Norway has won two, and two have ended in a draw. While past results have little bearing on this specific game, it highlights France's long-standing status as a European powerhouse. Given Norway's defensive frailties and France's consistent ability to overwhelm opponents, Les Bleus are rightly favored, but Norway’s offensive firepower makes them a constant threat.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Norway vs France picks.
Norway vs France Picks, Parlay
- Both Teams to Score (-133 at bet365)
- Half with most goals: Second (+105 at bet365)
The attacking prowess in this game is undeniable. With stars like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise for France, and Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth for Norway, it's difficult to see either defense keeping a clean sheet. Both nations have been prolific, scoring at least three goals in each of their first two matches in the tournament. Combined, they have found the net 13 times across their four games.
The Norway vs France pick for both teams to score is strongly supported by recent form. Norway has conceded in both of its tournament matches so far, a 3-2 win over Senegal and a 4-1 victory against Iraq. This trend extends further, with eight of Norway’s last nine matches seeing both teams score. France is expected to score given its offensive efficiency—they converted four big chances into three goals against Senegal and created five big chances against Iraq.
The key question is whether Norway can penetrate the French defense. Considering Norway scored 44 goals across their eight qualifiers and two opening tournament games, averaging 4.40 goals per match, the answer appears to be yes. Haaland and Mbappé have each scored four goals already, and they will be the focal points of their respective attacks in this group decider.
Norway vs France Projected Lineups
Norway Expected Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Nyland
Defenders: Pedersen, Ajer, Lysaker Heggem, Wolfe
Midfielders: Berge, Aursnes, Odegaard
Forwards: Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
France Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Maignan
Defenders: Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne
Midfielders: Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue
Forwards: Mbappe
