Two of the world’s leading forwards – Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe – will go head-to-head as Norway and France conclude their Group I campaigns at Boston Stadium.
Group I
Saturday, 27 June | Boston Stadium
Kick-off time
03:00 (GMT+8)
The match
The much-anticipated meeting of two of the most feared forwards in world football takes place at Boston Stadium as Norway’s Erling Haaland goes head-to-head with Kylian Mbappe of France. Norway are featuring at only their fourth FIFA World Cup™ and their first since 1998, which was ironically hosted and won by France. Les Bleus lifted the trophy for a second time in 2018 and were beaten finalists last time out in 2022. This will be the first FIFA World Cup meeting between the European rivals.
It has been a World Cup in which the stars have come out, with Haaland and Mbappe among those taking centre with four goals apiece. Norway topped Iraq 4-1 before edging Senegal 3-2 to earn themselves a knockout round spot. Meanwhile, France have collected 3-1 and 3-0 victories against Senegal and Iraq, however, they will be without coach Didier Deschamps due to personal reasons. With a draw, France will claim the group.
The winners of Group I will go on to face a third-placed side from groups C, D, F, G or H in New York New Jersey, while the runners-up tackle Group E’s second-placed team in Dallas. Should third place be enough to progress from Group I, then there are six potential matches against the winners of groups A, B, D, G, K or L.
Norway possible starting XI
Nyland; Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe, Ryerson; Berge, Odegaard, Aursnes; Haaland, Sorloth, Nusa
France possible starting XI
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne; Kone, Rabiot; Dembele, Olise, Barcola; Mbappe
Boston Stadium
Boston Stadium, which is home to MLS side New England Revolution and NFL outfit New England Patriots, underwent huge renovations in order to be ready for World Cup 2026. Now complete with a 22,000-square-foot video board and a 22-story lighthouse, the venue is in pristine condition and ready to host seven matches at the finals.