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

* Odds supplied by Betway and accurate when this was published.

Norway face France at Gillette Stadium outside Boston on Friday in the last round of Group I, with first place on the line and kickoff set for 21:00 CAT. Both sides have already reached the knockouts with six points each, so this is a straight fight for top spot and an easier path through the draw. Head to our dedicated section to see all our World Cup betting tips.

France

France have looked convincing in winning both matches, including a 3-0 victory over Iraq, and they lead the group on goal difference. As I see it, Didier Deschamps will want to finish first in his last tournament as coach, so I expect a strong team instead of mass changes. Kylian Mbappe is sharp and has a free role in attack, with Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise stretching play out wide and William Saliba guarding the back four. Hugo Ekitike is the only big name missing, so France have almost everyone available to go after the win they are looking for.

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

Norway

Norway have caught plenty of people off guard by making the last 32 with two victories, among them a 3-2 win over Senegal in which Erling Haaland scored twice once more. I think Stale Solbakken will believe his team can steal first place, despite fitness worries around Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge and Alexander Sorloth. Haaland is still the main man and Norway are a danger on the break, which fits a match where France should have most of the possession. They will need their star striker at his clinical best to get anything here.

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

France have the stronger and better balanced squad, plus a coach set on winning the group, and I see them dominating long periods through Mbappe and Dembele. Norway always pose a danger with Haaland on the field, so I do not see a clean sheet here. I think France will do just enough in a lively, open match. My forecast: France 2 Norway 1.

Over 2.5 Goals (1.69)

My pick is over 2.5 goals, as I believe two attacking teams with nothing to lose will create openings at both ends. France have found the net easily and Norway can count on Haaland, while neither team has any reason to defend deep now that both are through. At 1.69 the value lies with goals in a match both sides are trying to win.