Ladbrokes previews Norway vs France in the final round of World Cup Group I games
Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are both predicted to score anytime as two of football's biggest stars meet
A France win or draw is backed with over 2.5 goals scored
One of the potential best games of the 2026 World Cup group stage closes out Group I on Friday night as Norway take on France in Boston.
France are the favourites for a third World Cup triumph after convincingly beating Senegal and Iraq, while Norway have lived up to their dark horse billing with some equally eye-catching performances against the same opponents, and now the two meet to determine who will top the group and secure a more favourable path in the knockout stage.
Below you'll find our in-depth preview and bet builder tips for Norway vs France, including lineups and predictions ahead of a mouthwatering fixture in Boston. Les Bleus are the favourites to win at 13/20, with a Norway win and a draw both priced the same at 18/5.
There is a very obvious place to start with our first pick and that is for Erling Haaland to score in his third successive World Cup match.
An anytime goalscorer pick has come in for 13 of the last 15 games in which the Manchester City man has been available for his country and with two goals in each of his games in North America so far, that record looks unlikely to be hampered here - even against the might of France.
Kylian Mbappe to score anytime
We are not reinventing the wheel with our second pick, either, with Kylian Mbappe continuing to prove why he is already one of the World Cup greats, matching Haaland with four goals across his first two games - including two long-range stunners.
Mbappe is already up to joint-second in the all-time World Cup goalscorers list with 16, with the competition seemingly where the Real Madrid star really comes alive. With both Haaland and Mbappe producing 3.5 shots on target per game so far, it would be foolish not to select both the superstars in this game.
Over 2.5 total goals to be scored
With so much attacking talent on show, we are expecting there to be plenty of goals once again. Norway have seen five goals scored in both of their games so far, with four in France's first game followed by another three.
Progression to the round of 32 is already secured for both these teams, so we are not expecting either to be conservative in this game and that should result in an end-to-end encounter. Backing at least three total goals feels more than reasonable as a result.
France to win or draw
The final pick for our Norway vs France bet builder is for the 2018 champions to claim a win or draw in the double chance market.
While we believe Les Bleus have the edge over their opponents, Norway have proved they possess the threat to hurt any opposition - with a draw also suiting France as it would still see them top the group due to goal difference.
Another reason why a draw could be on the cards is the fact that France have not won their third group game in any of their last four World Cups, their last coming all the way back in 2006. If Didier Deschamps' men do decide to settle for a point, a double chance involving a French win or draw covers your back nicely.
You can bet on each of these markets individually, or combine them to create a Norway vs France Bet Builder. With Bet Builder+, you can combine your bet with other World Cup matches, and also with different sports.
Norway vs France takes place on Friday, June 26, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm UK time.
Where can I watch Norway vs France?
Norway vs France will be shown live on ITV1 and ITVX, with Senegal vs Iraq shown on ITV4 and ITVX.
Can you bet on Norway vs France?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on a number of Norway vs France markets, including match result, both teams to score and goalscorers.
