Per The Athletic, there’s a 99% chance that France face Sweden in the Round of 32 as Group I leaders face one of the best third-places of Groups D, F or G. If France manage to edge Sweden on June 30th, they are poised for a possible blockbuster in the Round of 16 against Germany (or Paraguay).

Norway will face Ivory Coast on June 30th as the Group I runner-ups face the Group E runner-ups. Shall Norway beat Ivory Coast, they’ll get a barnburner matchup against the winner of Brazil vs. Japan in the Round of 16.

Group I final standings

France winning the game against Norway secured their top spot in Group I, while Norway were pretty happy with being the runners-up, which explains why they rested 10 out of their 11 starters.

Can Group I have a best third place?

Senegal needed a strong performance vs. Iraq to get in contention as they came into the game with zero points and negative goal difference. The strong performance was given by the Africans as they beat Iraq 5-0, not only grabbing crucial three points, but also ended with a positive goal difference.

Hence, as things currently stand, Senegal are classified as the fifth-best third-place. There are plenty of teams still left to play that could shift this, but the fact is Senegal are very much in play to continue in the 2026 World Cup.

The French winger needed just 32 minutes to score three times, producing one of the fastest hat-tricks ever recorded at a men’s World Cup. An amazing achievement.

The performance also put him in exclusive company by achieving something neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo accomplished during their legendary World Cup careers.

Dembele joins exclusive World Cup history in France vs Norway

According to statistics compiled by Alexis Martin-Tamayo Blazquez, better known as MisterChip, Ousmane Dembele registered the second-fastest hat-trick in FIFA World Cup history.

Only Austria’s Erich Probst reached three goals faster, doing so after 24 minutes against Czechoslovakia at the 1954 World Cup. The fastest World Cup hat-tricks are now:

1. Erich Probst (Austria) – 24′ vs Czechoslovakia (1954)
2. Ousmane Dembele (France) – 32′ vs Norway (2026)
3. Gary Lineker (England) – 35′ vs Poland (1986)
4. Gerd Müller (West Germany) – 38′ vs Bulgaria (1970)
5. Gustav Wetterström (Sweden) – 44′ vs Cuba (1938)

Something Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo never achieved in World Cup

Ousmane Dembele’s feat is even more remarkable considering that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo ever scored a hat-trick in the first-half at a FIFA World Cup.

Both icons have produced unforgettable moments across multiple editions of the tournament, but neither managed to find the net three times so early in a single World Cup match. Dembele has now accomplished that milestone in spectacular fashion, adding another memorable chapter to France’s World Cup history.

Erling Haaland will also start the match as a substitute, with Norway opting for a rotated attacking setup despite already securing qualification to the knockout stage. The decision reflects a strategic approach from Solbakken as he manages player workloads ahead of the Round of 32.

France, led by Kylian Mbappe, arrive in identical circumstances after already confirming their place in the next round following back-to-back victories. Both teams enter the final group-stage match level on points, with Group I supremacy still to be decided. A packed Boston Stadium is expected for Norway vs France today in Massachusetts.

Why is Odegaard not starting?

Martin Odegaard isn’t in Norway’s starting lineup as part of a planned tactical rotation by Solbakken. With qualification already secured, Norway are using the opportunity to manage minutes for key players ahead of the knockout stage.

What is at stake in France vs Norway?

Both France and Norway have already advanced to the Round of 32, making this match decisive only in determining who finishes first in Group I. A victory for either side would secure top spot and potentially a more favorable knockout path.

With Haaland also battling stars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe for the tournament’s Golden Boot, many expected him to start against France in the final Group I match.

However, in a decision which has surprised many fans, Haaland won’t start against France in a match with a lot of implications individually and collectively. There’s an important reason to explain the move.

Why isn’t Erling Haaland playing against France?

The decision is purely tactical. Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has chosen to rest Erling Haaland after the team officially secured qualification for the Round of 32. With the primary objective already accomplished, the coaching staff does not want to risk its most important player before the knockout stage begins.

Why is Norway resting Erling Haaland?

Norway are thinking beyond the group stage. If they finish in second place of Group I, the Scandinavian side will face Ivory Coast in the Round of 32 next Tuesday, leaving only a short recovery period between matches. It is the same reason Martin Odegaard isn’t starting today against France.

Because of that quick turnaround, Solbakken wants his key players fresh and fully fit for the knockout rounds rather than risking fatigue or injury against France. Meanwhile, Didier Deschamps isn’t coaching France against Norway today due to personal reasons.

Is Haaland still in the Golden Boot race?

Absolutely. Despite missing the start against France, Erling Haaland remains one of the leading contenders for the Golden Boot with four goals. His explosive performances against Iraq and Senegal have placed him alongside stars such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race to finish as the World Cup’s top scorer. If Norway advance deep into the tournament, Haaland will have plenty of opportunities to add to his tally.

Could Erling Haaland play later in the match vs France?

That remains a possibility. If Norway need a result or Solbakken wants to give his striker a few minutes to stay sharp before the Round of 32, Haaland could feature off the bench. For now, however, Norway’s priority is making sure their biggest star is fully rested and ready for the knockout stage.

Norway hopes to make a statement in this match, which will be officiated by a veteran English referee. It will be wearing a sharp, almost entirely red kit featuring the blue cross from the country’s flag on the right side of the jersey, practically wrapping itself in the flag for kickoff.

The goalkeepers for both national teams will also sport attractive jerseys. France’s keeper will be in yellow, while Norway’s goalkeeper will wear an all-light-blue kit with the national flag centered on the jersey. Erling Haaland isn’t starting as Norway are resting most of their stars.

The story behind France’s green uniform for Match 61

France is breaking tradition by wearing a light green jersey inspired by the Statue of Liberty, marking the first time it has voluntarily ditched its classic colors. This look throws it back to a 1978 World Cup mishap when a jersey coordination error forced it to borrow a local Argentine club’s green shirts.

It was revealed a few weeks ago that France would debut this design, with a color scheme inspired by one of the world’s most famous statues. It remains to be seen if Les Bleus will wear this beautiful, unique jersey again in the knockout stage, as its market value could skyrocket.

How much do the Norway and France jerseys cost?

In the United States, the Norway jersey is available for $175 at official Nike stores. Nike, which also sponsors France, is selling the French light green jersey for $175, while the classic blue version goes for over $200.

However, the showdown against France remains hugely significant. The result will determine whether they finish first or second in the group, and that could dramatically change their path through the knockout stage.

Erling Haaland has been sensational during the tournament keeping pace with other stars like Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappe. However, Haaland isn’t starting today against France. Norway are also resting Martin Odegaard, who isn’t starting today either.

What happens if Norway win vs France in 2026 World Cup?

If Norway win against France, they will finish first in Group I with a perfect nine points. Winning the group would give Norway a favorable Round of 32 matchup against a third-place team from Group C, D, F, G, or H. There is another major implication as well. By finishing first, Norway could be on course for a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Germany if both teams continue advancing. France will be second-place also advancing to the next round.

What happens if Norway tie with France?

A draw would leave Norway with seven points. However, France would finish above Norway on goal difference, meaning the Norwegians would drop to second place in Group I. Under that scenario, Norway’s Round of 32 opponent would be Ivory Coast. France would face a third-place team from Group C, D, F, G, or H in the Round of 32.

What happens if Norway lose to France?

Even with a loss against France, Norway would still advance to the Round of 32. The Norwegians would remain on six points, which is enough to secure second place in Group I regardless of the outcome between Senegal and Iraq. France would secure first-place.

A loss would not eliminate Norway from the tournament. Instead, it would simply send the team into the knockout stage as the group runner-up. Like the draw scenario, Norway would face Ivory Coast in the Round of 32. Didier Deschamps isn’t coaching France today due to a family matter.

Have Norway already qualified for Round of 32?

Yes. That is the most important takeaway heading into the final group-stage match. Thanks to consecutive victories over Iraq and Senegal, Norway have already booked their ticket to the Round of 32. The only remaining question is whether the team will finish first or second in Group I, and that answer will determine the difficulty of the knockout-stage path.

2026 World Cup Group I standings

Instead of the familiar “Haaland” seen every week with Manchester City, his shirt reads “Braut Haaland“, sparking curiosity across social media and among broadcasters. The change isn’t a FIFA requirement or a mistake.

“Braut” is the maiden surname of Haaland’s mother, former Norwegian heptathlete Gry Marita Braut, while “Haaland” comes from his father, former Premier League player Alf-Inge Haaland.

Is “Braut Haaland” Erling Haaland’s full legal name?

Erling Braut Haaland is the striker’s full legal name. The 2026 World Cup has simply introduced millions of fans to the full version of the Norwegian star’s name because he now wears “Braut Haaland” on the back of his national team jersey.

By combining both surnames, he is recognizing both sides of his family, a practice that is becoming increasingly common in Norway and other Scandinavian countries.

Has Erling Haaland always worn “Braut Haaland” for Norway?

No! Erling Haaland only began wearing “Braut Haaland” on his Norway jersey in 2025. Before then, the prolific forward wore the same “Haaland” name that appears on the back of his Manchester City shirt.

The Norwegian Football Federation confirmed the change ahead of the September 2025 international window. His first matches with the updated jersey came in a friendly against Finland and during Norway’s qualifying campaign.

Many casual fans only noticed the switch during the World Cup because Norway had not appeared in the tournament since 1998. With him leading his country’s return, the different name on his jersey quickly became a trend.

Why doesn’t Haaland wear “Braut Haaland” for Manchester City?

Erling continues to wear only “Haaland” for Manchester City because he has chosen to reserve “Braut Haaland” for international duty with Norway. The decision allows him to honor his family heritage.

The striker has worn “Haaland” throughout his professional club career, including spells with Bryne, Molde, Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. The shorter surname has become one of the most recognizable brands.

International soccer gives players greater flexibility regarding the names displayed on their jerseys, provided they comply with competition regulations. Wearing “Braut Haaland” with Norway is a personal tribute to his mother’s family.

Assistant Guy Stephan will step in as acting head coach for a game that will decide the winner of Group I. Deschamps’ absence is unrelated to tactics, suspension or any issue involving the French squad.

The veteran manager returned to France earlier this week after the death of his mother and is attending her funeral, a decision supported by the French Football Federation. The country has already secured its place in the Round of 32.

When will Didier Deschamps return to the France bench?

Didier Deschamps is expected to return to the France bench for the Round of 32,provided France advances as expected from Group I.

The French Football Federation confirmed that the veteran coach traveled back to France to attend his mother’s funeral and will miss only the group-stage finale against Norway, with assistant Guy Stephan taking charge in his absence.

He is expected to rejoin the squad by late Friday or early Saturday. That timeline would allow him to oversee preparations for France’s first knockout match, assuming Les Bleus complete their group-stage campaign as planned.

France entered the Norway match having already secured qualification for the Round of 32 thanks to victories over Senegal and Iraq. The only objective remaining was to finish first in Group I.

Several French players, including Aurelien Tchouameni, acknowledged the emotional impact of their coach’s absence and said the squad was determined to honor him with a strong performance.

Has Didier Deschamps ever missed a France match before?

No! Didier Deschamps has never previously missed a France match as head coach for personal reasons, making his absence against Norway an extraordinary and unprecedented moment in his tenure.

He has been France’s head coach since 2012 and has overseen more than 150 international matches across major tournaments, including three FIFA World Cups and multiple UEFA European Championships.

Throughout that period, he has been a constant presence on the touchline, helping France win the 2018 World Cup and reach the finals of both Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

His absence stands out as one of the rare occasions in which Les Bleus have played without their longtime manager. Guy Stephan, Deschamps’ trusted deputy for more than a decade, assumed full coaching responsibilities.

Despite the unusual circumstances, the French camp emphasized that the coaching staff and players remained fully focused on the task at hand while offering their support to him and his family during a difficult personal moment.

As things stand, Norway sit in 22nd place in the FIFA World Rankings. Clearly, soccer’s governing body has been paying attention to the Norwegians’ performances at the 2026 World Cup—and not only because of the fans’ synchronized rowing in the stands.

Coming off commanding wins over Iraq and Senegal, Norway have climbed from their original ranking entering the tournament, which had the Vikings at No. 31. Norway have moved up nine spots so far during the 2026 World Cup, and against France, No. 2 in the FIFA World Rankings, they look to deliver yet another statement to the world.

There is a dragon ship making its way through North America, and Haaland is at the helm. The rest of the tournament should take notice. A win, tie or loss will only change Norway’s position, but their Round of 32 berth is safe.

Norway’s FIFA ranking history

Although being considered the 22nd-best team in the world is quite the compliment for Norway, the Vikings have reached even greater heights. In 1995, Norway temporarily climbed to second place in the FIFA World Rankings, and they also reached that position in 1993, a year in which they finished fourth.

That was the team’s best year-end ranking ever. However, since the turn of the century, Norway have never finished inside the top 10. Their best finish in the 21st century was 12th place in 2010.

The lows haven’t been pretty for the Vikings, either. During the national team’s nadir, Norway fell as low as 83rd in 2012. Thanks to a generation with the likes of Haaland, Sorloth, and Odegaard, Norway are back where many thought they’d never return in international soccer.

How to watch Norway vs France in the USA

Viewers in the United States can catch every moment of this marquee matchup live on FOX and Telemundo via standard television broadcasts.

Fans can also stream the game through Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, or Peacock Premium. Be sure to tune in.

Can I watch Norway vs France for free?

Fans in the United States can stream this must-watch showdown live on Fubo or DirecTV Stream. New eligible subscribers may receive a free five-day trial.

Both platforms provide nationwide live access, allowing fans to follow every key moment, crucial stretch, and decisive play from start to finish in real time.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

As expected, Group I has been controlled by two clear heavyweights. Both France and Norway opened the tournament with dominant victories in their first two matches, although Norway was pushed harder than anticipated late in its win over Senegal.

The spotlight now shifts to a blockbuster showdown between two of the game’s biggest stars, as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland enter the matchup with four goals apiece through two games.

With first place in the group on the line, this France vs. Norway clash has all the ingredients of a must-watch World Cup battle.

Norway vs France: Predicted Lineups

Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Holmgren Pedersen, Ajer, Ostigard, Bjørkan; Thorstvedt, Berge, Odegaard; Nusa, Haaland, Sorloth.

France (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Mbappe, Barcola.

What time is the Norway vs France match?

The match kicks off today, June 26, at 3:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
Central Time: 2:00 PM
Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET as both teams look to carry momentum into the knockout rounds. However, Erling Haaland isn’t playing today, and neither will Martin Odegaard, also rested for the knockout phase.

Weather conditions are expected to be warm, with temperatures in the upper 70s°F (around 26°C) during the afternoon. While the forecast calls for generally favorable playing conditions, there is a chance of heat affecting players. Didier Deschamps won’t be coaching France due to personal reasons.

What will the weather be like for Norway vs France today?

Warm and mostly favorable weather is expected for Norway vs. France, although players could have to deal with heat and some humidity. The Group I showdown is forecast to kick off with temperatures around 79°F (26°C) under partly cloudy skies.

There is only a slight chance of rain during the match, but forecasters are monitoring the possibility of scattered showers later in the day. While the weather is not expected to threaten kickoff, conditions could still influence the pace of play.

Climate analysts estimate roughly a 29% chance of heat levels that may impair player performance, meaning hydration breaks and squad rotation could become important factors if temperatures rise during the afternoon.

FIFA has strict protocols in place for extreme weather during the World Cup. Match officials monitor the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and other environmental conditions before and during games.

How many fans are expected to attend Norway vs France today?

More than 64,000 fans are expected to attend Norway vs. France at Boston Stadium. With first place in Group I on the line, local organizers anticipate another near-capacity crowd at the home of the New England Patriots.

Boston Stadium has become one of the busiest venues of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting multiple group-stage matches along with a Round of 32 game and a quarterfinal. Demand for tickets has remained exceptionally high.

The large crowd is also expected to create heavy traffic around Foxborough. Massachusetts transportation officials have advised fans to arrive early, use public transportation whenever possible and expect delays on roads.