Norway v France: Confirmed line-ups as Mbappe starts but Haaland left on the bench

Norway and France have the chance to complete a perfect group stage when they clash tonight.

Les Bleus were perhaps expected to make light of a difficult pool that also contains Senegal and Iraq but Norway have enjoyed an outstanding return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.

Recommended offer

Norway v France Super Boost

Claim Boost

18+ GambleAware.org For New Customers. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

Stale Solbakken’s side opened their campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Iraq before edging past Senegal 3-2 to make it two wins from two.

Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have been pivotal in their respective teams’ impressive runs with four goals apiece.

NORWAY TEAM NEWS

The big news for Norway is Solbakken’s decision to leave Haaland on the bench, alongside most of his regular starters.

Norway: Samba, Risser, Gusto, Digne, Konate, Saliba, L Hernandez, Kante, Rabiot, Zaire-Emery, Cherki, Akliouche, Thuram, Barcola, Mateta

Selvik; Ostigard, Bjorkan, Falchener; Berg, Aursnes, Thorstvedt, Aasgaard, Schjelderup, Bobb; Strand Larsen

Norway Substitutes: Nyland, Tangvik, Ajer, Moller Wolfe, Holmgren Pedersen, Heggem, Langas, Thorsby, Berge, Odegaard, Hauge, Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa, Ryerson

FRANCE TEAM NEWS

France, whose coach Didier Deschamps has flown home following the death of his mother, made four changes to his starting XI with Theo Hernandez and Maxence Lacroix coming into the back four in place of Lucas Digne and William Saliba.

Aurelien Tchouameni replaced Adrien Rabiot in midfield while Desire Doue is preferred to Bradley Barcola in attack.

France: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Lacroix, T Hernandez; Tchouameni, Kone; Olise, Doue, Dembele; Mbappe

France Substitutes: Samba, Risser, Gusto, Digne, Konate, Saliba, L Hernandez, Kante, Rabiot, Zaire-Emery, Cherki, Akliouche, Thuram, Barcola, Mateta

Where to watch Norway vs France: TV channel, online live stream

The match takes place on Friday, June 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

In the UK, kick-off is at 20:00 BST, with the match broadcast live across ITV’s channels. Fans can also stream the game online through ITVX.

Norway vs France stats

• Norway have won both of their Group I matches
• Erling Haaland has scored four goals in two World Cup appearances
• The Vikings have scored seven goals in their first two matches
• France have also won both of their group-stage fixtures
• Kylian Mbappe has matched Haaland with four goals in the tournament
• Les Bleus require only a draw to finish top of Group I
• France have scored six goals and conceded just one so far
• Norway’s last victory over France came in August 2010

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

Gambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.

• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)
• GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware: gambleaware.org
• GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)

Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.