Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe group stage of World Cup 2026 has been blessed by goals by the truckload from some of the game's very best scorers but only one group has two of those top-class hitmen.Norway vs France is the first match at the tournament that pits one world-class and in-form striker against another. Lionel Messi has more goals but Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are among the very best modern football has to offer.Seeing them in action in the same game with eight goals between them is a treat this early yes, it's still early in the tournament.Norway vs France betting odds from BOYLE SportsNorway WIN - 4/1Draw - 16/5France WIN - 4/7Norway vs France predictionIt's a common mistake to write Norway off as a one-man team. They're not that, but Haaland is such a ludicrous talent that the overall difference between Norway's average and France's average can be bridged on his day.Didier Deschamps will have a plan for the Manchester City striker and France have the defenders to carry it out. It's less clear whether Stale Solbakken can say the same. You may like France vs Iraq prediction: Will Kylian Mbappe add to his World Cup goal tally? How to watch Norway vs Senegal for FREE How to watch Iraq vs Norway for FREE Group I has largely stayed with the script. Norway and France both beat Iraq by three goals and had enough to overcome Senegal, who might have felt they could have taken more from their first two games but were desperately unlucky to be drawn against two high-scoring opponents.Last time these teams met, Haaland was 13 and Mbappe was 15. Olivier Giroud scored twice in a 4-0 friendly win for France at the Stade de France. It was Les Bleus' first win in five against Norway.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The prize for the winner this time around is first place in the group and a round of 32 tie at MetLife Stadium against a third-placed team.Finishing second will set up a game against Ivory Coast but a possible collision course with Brazil and co-hosts Mexico.There's no getting away from the headline duel. Haaland is at his first World Cup and has scored four goals in two games. Mbappe has already won it once and has the same tally in 2026. What to read next Norway vs Senegal prediction: Can Norway continue their fast World Cup start? Norway vs Iraq prediction, as ultimate 2026 World Cup dark horses look to dominate Group I How to watch France vs Iraq for FREE Score prediction: Norway 1-2 FranceMbappe has the added incentive of being right behind Messi's newly minted record as the World Cup's all-time record goalscorer.The France captain has scored 16 goals, level with previous record holder Miroslav Klose, and has time on his side. Ultimately, he could be the difference against Norway just as he was against Senegal and Iraq.How to watch Norway vs FranceYou can watch Norway vs France in Group I of World Cup 2026 for free. All the information you need is in our how to watch guide.The match will be broadcast live on ITV in the UK, Fox in the United States and SBS in Australia.What's your Norway vs France prediction? Let us know below...TOPICSErling HaalandKylian MbappeFranceNorwayWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Chris NeeChris is a Warwickshire-based freelance football writer specialising in West Midlands football, the Premier League, the EFL and the J.League. He is the author of the High Protein Beef Paste football newsletter and owner of Aston Villa Review. He supports Coventry Sphinx.
