World Cup

The highly anticipated Group I matchup pits two of Europe's more talented rosters against each other.

By Hayden Bird

June 26, 2026 | 2:12 PM

1 minute to read

FOXBOROUGH — One of the biggest games of the 2026 World Cup group stage will take place at “Boston Stadium” (Gillette Stadium) on Friday afternoon, as Norway faces France.

Both teams have won their first two games of the tournament so far, and both are hoping to make extended runs in the knockout stage (each has already clinched a knockout round spot). The winner of today’s game will take the top position in Group I (a draw would leave France at the top).

The notable pregame news was that Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who scored twice in his first game in Foxborough, will begin today on the bench as the Scandinavians rest several starters.

Stay tuned for all of the updates:

2:20: The Norwegian fans are already here in large number, and just launched into their first in-stadium row chant. The vibes, after taking a slight break during the England-Ghana game last week, are officially back.

1:48: Lineups are out. Haaland is starting on the bench amid a multitude of Norwegian changes. Here’s their lineup: Aursnes, Östigard, Falchener, Björkan; Aasgaard, Berg, Thorsvtedt; Bobb, Strand Larsen, Schjelderup.

France’s lineup looks more like the regular group, and includes Kylian Mbappe: Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, T. Hernandez; Koné, Tchouaméni; Dembélé, M. Olise, Doué; Mbappé.

1:30: One of the notable developments in the buildup to this game was the unfortunate news from the French camp that head coach Didier Deschamps will miss today’s matchup as he attends his mother’s funeral in France. Assistant coach Guy Stéphan will take charge for today’s game.

1:00: Welcome to Gillette Sta… sorry, “Boston Stadium” for one of the most anticipated group stage games of the 2026 World Cup! It’s slightly overcast and cool today in Foxborough, but is expected to clear up a bit before kickoff at 3 p.m.