Norway vs France at World Cup 2026: How to Watch in the UK, Kick-Off Time, and Who Will Win
Norway face France on Friday, June 26, 2026, in the final Group I game of the World Cup, and it’s one of the standout fixtures of the group stage. Kick-off is at 8pm BST, and UK viewers can watch it free on ITV. Both teams have already booked their place in the knockout rounds, but they’re going head-to-head for top spot in the group — and all eyes are on the duel between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Here’s how to watch, when it starts, and who’s favoured to win.
What time is Norway vs France kick-off?
Norway vs France kicks off at 8:00 pm BST on Friday, June 26, 2026.
For viewers elsewhere, that’s 3:00 pm ET and 12:00 pm PT in the United States, 12:30 am IST on Saturday in India, and 5:00 am AEST on Saturday in Australia. The match is being played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts — branded “Boston Stadium” for the tournament — with Michael Oliver taking charge as referee.
How can you watch Norway vs France in the UK?
In the UK, the match is on ITV 1, and it’s completely free to watch. Every one of the 104 games at this World Cup is being shown free-to-air in the UK, split between ITV and the BBC, so no subscription is needed. If you can’t watch live, highlights will be available on ITVX, along with ITV’s social media channels. For viewers in other regions, the game is on Fox Sports in the United States, Zee5 in India, and SBS in Australia.
What’s at stake for Norway and France?
Although both teams are already through to the round of 32 after winning their opening two games, there’s still plenty to play for: top spot in Group I. France currently sit first on goal difference, which means a draw would be enough for them to finish top. Norway, in second, need a win to leapfrog them — which would also be their first victory over France since a 2-1 friendly back in 2010. Finishing first matters because it should, on paper, hand the group winner a more favourable route through the knockout stage, so neither side has much reason to take their foot off the gas.
Haaland vs Mbappé: the key battle
The headline storyline is the clash between two of the world’s most lethal forwards.
Both Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé have scored four goals each in their opening two games, and both will be desperate to add to that tally here. Mbappé arrives in extraordinary form, having recently become France’s all-time leading scorer, and with 16 World Cup goals to his name overall. Haaland, meanwhile, has carried Norway’s attack on their return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. With both teams built around their star strikers, whichever one fires is likely to decide the contest.
Predicted line-ups
Norway are expected to line up with Nyland in goal; a back line of Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer and Ryerson; a midfield of Aursnes, Berge and Ødegaard; and an attacking trio of Nusa, Haaland and Sørloth — though an injury to Ryerson, who limped off in their last game, may force a defensive reshuffle. France are predicted to set up in a 4-2-3-1: Maignan in goal; Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix and Hernandez across the back; Tchouaméni and Rabiot anchoring midfield; Dembélé, Olise and Doué supporting Mbappé up front.
Who will win Norway vs France?
France go into the match as clear favourites, and it’s easy to see why. They’ve been in devastating form, scoring six goals in their two group games, winning 11 of their last 13 matches, and pairing that attacking firepower with a solid, experienced defence. Most neutrals expect them to win and continue their push for the trophy. That said, Norway are far from easy opponents. Their attack has been ruthless, scoring seven goals in two games, and in Haaland they have a striker capable of punishing any defence. The catch is at the other end: Norway have conceded in both of their group games and have looked vulnerable defensively, which is exactly the weakness a France side this sharp could exploit. Interestingly, Haaland himself has played down Norway’s chances, suggesting France will probably win both this match and the tournament. The honest verdict is that France are rightly favoured, but a one-off game featuring two in-form attacks always carries the potential for a surprise — and if Norway’s forwards click, an upset isn’t out of the question.
The bottom line
Norway vs France kicks off at 8pm BST on Friday, June 26, live and free on ITV in the UK, with top spot in Group I on the line. France are the favourites and the form team, but Norway’s attack — led by Haaland — gives them a puncher’s chance against a side they haven’t beaten in over a decade. Either way, with Haaland and Mbappé both in red-hot form, it should be a spectacle.
For more on the tournament, see our ranking of the World Cup 2026’s top players and our guide to the World Cup tiebreakers.
Broadcast details and kick-off times are for the UK and reflect information confirmed ahead of the match on June 26, 2026; check your local listings to confirm. Line-ups are predicted and subject to change.