France and Norway Take Control of World Cup Group I as Les Bleus Look Ahead to Showdown

France and Norway FIFA

News Blend 360 Sports — France and Norway have quickly turned Group I into a two-team race at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both nations sitting at the top of the table after strong starts.

Les Bleus opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal, while Norway made an early statement with a 4-1 victory over Iraq. France then strengthened its position Monday with a commanding 3-0 win over Iraq, while Norway’s matchup with Senegal has kept the pressure on at the top of the group.

For France, the story is simple: handle business now, avoid chaos later. Didier Deschamps rotated his squad against Iraq, bringing in Lucas Digne, Manu Koné and Bradley Barcola as Les Bleus looked to manage minutes while staying sharp for the biggest group-stage test ahead.

That test comes Friday, June 26, when France faces Norway at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET. The matchup could decide the Group I winner and shape France’s path into the knockout round.

Norway has brought firepower, confidence and momentum, led by a dangerous attack that has already shown it can punish mistakes. France, meanwhile, has leaned on its depth, balance and star power — the kind of tournament formula that has kept Les Bleus among the world’s elite.

The bigger picture: France is in control, but the group is not fully settled. A win over Norway would likely give Les Bleus the top spot. A draw may still be enough depending on goal difference. A loss could send France into the knockout rounds as runner-up, creating a more difficult path forward.

What’s next for Les Bleus:

France vs. Norway

Friday, June 26, 20263 p.m. ET

Gillette Stadium — Foxborough, Massachusetts

Bottom line: France has done what contenders are supposed to do — win early, rotate smartly and build momentum. But Norway now stands between Les Bleus and full control of Group I.