World Cup Preview: Norway VS France - prediction, team news, lineups

[(Norway) Strength]:
1. Coach Solbakken confirmed after the match that the starting lineup will be adjusted for the final round against France. The rotation is not about giving up on winning. The core reason is the short interval between group matches, with many key players exhausted and physically fatigued. In the previous match against Senegal, four or five players suffered cramps or were on the verge of cramping in the final stages, with insufficient substitution slots left, forcing the team to play with nine or ten men for a short period. A large-scale rotation of substitutes will also make it harder for France to predict Norway's starting lineup.
2. Haaland scored a brace in two consecutive matches, totaling 4 goals in two games, tying with Mbappe for second place on the World Cup scoring chart. He has now scored in 12 consecutive matches for Norway, with 59 goals in 52 international appearances. After the match, Haaland said in an interview: 'I think scoring is my specialty. I'm really good at it, and I'm lucky.'
3. Norway narrowly won 3-2 against Senegal in the previous match, with Pedersen scoring, Odegaard assisting Haaland's first goal with a through ball, and Berg assisting Haaland's brace. In the final stages, the team were physically exhausted, with four or five players suffering cramps, and the defense was under immense pressure in the last eight minutes, relying on a crucial goal-line clearance to secure the win.
4. Haaland has scored 4 goals in two matches, with elite finishing in the box and on breakaways, possessing the physical attributes to compete with French center-backs in the air and in duels. Odegaard's precise through balls can penetrate behind France's defense. Norway do not insist on high possession, instead looking for quick through balls to Haaland after winning the ball, specifically targeting the space left behind by France's advancing full-backs. The team have the tallest average height in the tournament, with Ajer, Haaland, and Sorloth all capable of winning aerial duels from set pieces and corners. Having secured qualification, the team have no relegation pressure but still need to fight for the top spot in the group.
 

[(Norway) Neutral]:
1. Coach Solbakken commented on the 3-2 narrow victory, acknowledging the result but bluntly stating that the team lost control of the game in the second half due to multiple players cramping and exhausted substitution slots, nearly throwing away the win. Advancing to the knockout stage with six points from two games is a major breakthrough for Norway, returning to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 28 years. He also admitted that the team's weakness in defense needs urgent improvement.
2. The two teams have not faced each other in the last 10 years and have never met in the World Cup or European Championship finals, so there is no psychological burden from major tournament encounters. Norway are aware of France's superior squad strength and will prioritize a solid defensive counter-attacking approach, avoiding reckless all-out attacking.
3. Domestic media in Norway is highly enthusiastic. The team have reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 28 years, with two consecutive wins sparking great expectations among local media and fans for a quarter-final berth. At the same time, multiple media outlets have criticized the team's defensive lapses in the final stages, warning that they must address defensive vulnerabilities rather than focusing solely on attacking firepower.
 

[(Norway) Weakness]:
1. Ryerson suffered a thigh muscle strain and was substituted off in the 11th minute. The team doctor has not yet determined the severity of the injury, with no fixed recovery period. Playing through the injury risks muscle tearing, and he is likely to miss the final round against France. The coaching staff will probably rest him as a precaution.
2. Norway's stamina tends to drop significantly after the 70th minute, with multiple players cramping leading to a breakdown in the wing defensive system. Mbappe's high-speed runs in the second half will continuously exploit the wing defensive vulnerabilities. The team's center-backs are slow to turn, making it difficult to track fast wingers like Mbappe over long periods. Key full-back Ryerson is likely unavailable, and substitute Pedersen is strong in attack but lacks experience in defensive cover, further reducing defensive stability on the flanks. If France maintain control of the game and implement high pressing, Norway's errors in playing out from the back will increase significantly, making it hard to organize effective counter-attacks.
 

[(France) Strength]:
1. After two rounds, both Norway and France have two wins and six points, advancing together. France have scored 6 and conceded 1 with a +5 goal difference, while Norway have scored 7 and conceded 3 with a +4 goal difference, with France temporarily topping the group. The final round will decide the group winners. If it ends in a draw, France will retain the top spot on goal difference, and both teams are highly motivated to fight for points.
2. The French Football Federation officially announced that coach Deschamps' mother has passed away, and he will return home for the funeral, missing the final round match between France and Norway. France are eager to win the final round, not only to maintain their winning momentum but also to honor their coach and his late mother.
3. The previous match was Upamecano's 40th official appearance for France. The 27-year-old center-back made his debut for France on September 5, 2020, scoring two goals in 40 appearances. He won the UEFA Nations League in 2021 and helped the team reach the World Cup final in 2022.
4. Mbappe scored two goals in the previous match, bringing his total World Cup goals to 16. Since his World Cup debut, he has scored more goals than any other player in the same period. As France's captain, he led the team to two consecutive World Cup victories after taking over, becoming the first non-goalkeeper to achieve this since Deschamps in 1998.
5. The previous match was Deschamps' 21st World Cup match as France's coach, with a record of 16 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, tying Helmut Schon's record for the most wins by a World Cup coach.
6. Olise provided two assists in the previous match. According to statistics, since the start of the 2025-2026 season, Olise has recorded 30 assists for club and country, more than any other player in the top five leagues.
7. France faced Iraq in the previous match, which was captain Mbappe's 100th international appearance. In the 14th minute, Olise assisted Mbappe with a stunning long-range goal. After halftime, a lightning strike caused a nearly two-hour match suspension. In the 54th minute, Iraq's goalkeeper made a passing error, Dembele intercepted and crossed for Mbappe to score his second. In the 66th minute, Olise provided another assist, and Dembele scored to seal a 3-0 victory, securing two consecutive wins and early qualification. In the last four World Cups, France have started with two consecutive wins.
8. Norway's counter-attacking speed and Haaland's finishing in the box are the key threats France need to address. The defense must restrain full-backs from excessive forward runs, with both defensive midfielders dropping back to cover the flanks. The midfield should focus on limiting Odegaard's through balls in the half-spaces, cutting off the supply lines to Haaland. Tchouameni has minor adductor discomfort and may be rotated, with Kone and Kante competing for the starting double pivot. Mbappe and Saliba are likely to start, while Dembele may be rested. The team will adjust rotations based on the scoreline around the 65th minute. Goalkeeper Maignan will continue to start, with Samba on standby.
 

[(France) Neutral]:
1. FIFA has officially confirmed that Chinese referee Ma Ning will serve as the fourth official for the Norway vs. France match, with Zhou Fei as the assistant referee reserve. The main referee will be English official Michael Oliver.
2. Since 1998, France have reached the knockout stage in 10 major tournaments, winning 3 times and being eliminated 7 times, all by the eventual champions.
 

[Tips]:
Both teams have 6 points and have advanced early, with strong motivation to compete for the top spot.

Norway have Haaland's efficient scoring, aerial threats, and counter-attacking prowess, but their stamina drops significantly in the second half, and their full-back defense has weaknesses, making it difficult to contain Mbappe's high-speed impact.

France have strong attacking firepower, with Mbappe in hot form and a solid defensive system that can specifically cut off Odegaard's passing lanes to Haaland, compensating for their wing defense vulnerabilities.

France have ample squad rotation depth and a better balance between attack and defense compared to Norway. Norway are strong in attack but weak in defense, with clear second-half issues.

France's overall strength and squad depth give them the upper hand, and they are favored to win this match.
 

[Recommended]:
France (-0.5/1)