Top spot in Group I will be on the line when Norway and France meet at Gillette Stadium on Friday evening in one of the standout fixtures of the final group-stage round at World Cup 2026.Both nations have already secured qualification for the knockout rounds after winning their opening two matches, but first place remains up for grabs heading into this showdown.Norway have enjoyed an outstanding return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Stale Solbakkens side opened their campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Iraq before edging past Senegal 3-2 to make it two wins from two.Erling Haaland has been at the heart of their success, scoring four goals in the opening two matches and establishing himself as one of the tournaments leading scorers.Despite collecting six points, Norway sit second in Group I due to Frances superior goal difference. A victory on Friday would see them leapfrog Les Bleus and claim top spot.France, however, have looked every bit like one of the tournament favourites.Didier Deschamps side opened with a 3-1 win over Senegal before comfortably dispatching Iraq 3-0, leaving them top of the group with a perfect six points and a superior goal difference.Kylian Mbappe has been in sensational form, matching Haalands tally of four goals and once again proving the focal point of Frances attack.Les Bleus require only a draw to secure first place, but their recent performances suggest they will approach the game with the intention of maintaining their 100% record.France also have history on their side, having beaten Norway 4-0 in the most recent meeting between the nations in 2014.Table of ContentsTeam news for Norway vs FranceExpected line-ups for Norway vs FranceWhere to watch Norway vs France: TV channel, online live streamNorway vs France statsPrediction for Norway vs FranceWhat To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemTeam news for Norway vs FranceNorway are expected to be without Julian Ryerson after the Borussia Dortmund defender was forced off injured during the victory over Senegal.Marcus Pedersen is likely to deputise at right-back, while Haaland will once again spearhead the attack alongside Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa.Captain Martin Odegaard is set to continue in midfield alongside Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes.France have several selection decisions to make despite already qualifying for the knockout stages.Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue have alternated starts so far, while Lucas Digne and Manu Kone both impressed from the bench against Iraq.Mbappe remains the undisputed leader of the attack after scoring four goals in two matches, while Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele are expected to provide support in advanced areas.Expected line-ups for Norway vs FranceNorway starting XI: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Berge, Aursnes, Odegaard; Sorloth, Haaland, NusaFrance starting XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba; Digne; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Olise, Dembele, Doue; MbappeWhere to watch Norway vs France: TV channel, online live streamThe match takes place on Friday, June 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.In the UK, kick-off is at 20:00 BST, with the match broadcast live across ITVs channels. Fans can also stream the game online through ITVX.Norway vs France statsNorway have won both of their Group I matchesErling Haaland has scored four goals in two World Cup appearancesThe Vikings have scored seven goals in their first two matchesFrance have also won both of their group-stage fixturesKylian Mbappe has matched Haaland with four goals in the tournamentLes Bleus require only a draw to finish top of Group IFrance have scored six goals and conceded just one so farNorways last victory over France came in August 2010Prediction for Norway vs FranceBoth teams have looked dangerous going forward and fully deserve their places in the knockout rounds, but France appear slightly more balanced across the pitch.Norways attack is capable of causing problems for any defence, particularly with Haaland in such prolific form, yet their defensive record suggests they may struggle to contain the quality of Mbappe, Dembele and Olise over 90 minutes. Expect a competitive encounter, with France edging a high-quality contest to secure top spot in Group I.Prediction: Norway 1-2 FranceWhat To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemResponsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare: www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: gambleaware.orgGamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. 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