Norway – France Preview – Who leads Les Bleus without their manager?
Didier Deschamps will not be on the touchline when France kick off against Norway in Boston at 19:00 GMT on 26 June. He has returned to France to attend his mother’s funeral, with assistant Guy Stéphan confirmed by the FFF as the man in charge for this match. Deschamps is expected back if Les Bleus advance, but his absence from a group decider is about as unusual as it gets at a World Cup.
Both sides are already through to the round of 32. With qualification settled, the group lead is all that remains: the winner of Group I earns the better position in the knockout draw, and neither camp is treating this as a dead rubber.
France have been tidy: six goals scored, one conceded, with Mbappé sharp and twice on the scoresheet in the win over Iraq. Norway have been less tidy but equally effective, scoring seven and conceding three. Erling Haaland, at his first World Cup, leads the line; Martin Ødegaard captains the side.
Norway – France Betting Tips
Betting Tip: Both teams to score
Norway have found the net in every game at this tournament. France, despite their strong defensive record, conceded to Senegal in the opener. With both sides needing a win and neither willing to sit back for ninety minutes, the game should open up at both ends. Both teams to score is the clearest bet here.
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals
France have averaged three goals per game at this World Cup; Norway have been even more prolific. With quality in front of goal on both sides and a result that still matters, keeping the total under three looks optimistic. Check the latest World Cup betting odds before you place this one.
Betting Tip: Norway to win
Norway to win is the boldest of the three. Stéphan takes charge of France for the first time here, and even a settled squad will feel that shift. Norway, Haaland at his first World Cup, goals against every opponent they have faced, are a genuine match for anyone. The market is roughly even, and in an even game Norway have the quality to nick it.
What group position means from here
Topping Group I is worth more than pride. The group winner earns the kinder side of the knockout draw, which is why neither squad will coast through this despite already being through.
The same stakes were in play the night before in our Tunisia vs Netherlands group closer, another matchday 3 where the group lead was still live even though both teams had already qualified.
On 26 June, the Turkey vs USA decider is in the same boat: both sides through, top spot still unsettled.
Frequently asked questions
When does Norway vs France kick off?
19:00 GMT on 26 June, in Boston.
Who is the favourite?
The market is roughly even, and the form of both squads backs that up. France have been clinical, Norway prolific. Deschamps being absent puts a real question mark over the French side.
What is our main betting tip for this match?
Both teams to score, backed by over 2.5 goals. Norway’s attacking record and France’s occasional defensive exposure make both picks strong. Norway to win is the bolder call for anyone who thinks Stéphan’s first match in charge will be a difficult night for Les Bleus.
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