Will Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe start today? Check out the projected Norway vs France lineups for this blockbuster 2026 World Cup Group I finale. Both Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are projected to start today in what is being billed as the ultimate heavyweight clash of the 2026 World Cup group stage.
While both Norway and France have already mathematically punched their tickets to the Round of 32 after securing a perfect six points from their opening two matches, neither superstar is expected to be rested for this spectacular finale at the Boston Stadium.
Aside from the battle to claim the top spot in Group I, both talismans are locked in an intense, head-to-head race for the Golden Boot. Haaland and Mbappe have enjoyed blistering starts to the tournament, each netting four goals across their first two matches. With Mbappe also sitting just two goals behind Lionel Messi’s newly established all-time World Cup scoring record, both forwards are highly motivated to lead their respective lines from the opening whistle.
Norway projected lineup
Stale Solbakken has no intention of slowing down his team’s momentum as the “Red Vikings” aim to secure an iconic victory over the tournament favorites.
Orjan Nyland is set to start between the posts behind a settled back four consisting of Marcus Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, and David Moller Wolfe. The structural engine room will be led by captain Martin Odegaard, who will provide the creative spark alongside Sander Berge and Patrick Berg. Out wide, the electric Antonio Nusa will look to exploit spaces on the counter-attack, partnering with Alexander Sorloth to feed crossess directly into the clinical Haaland.
Norway Projected XI (4-3-3): Orjan Nyland; Marcus Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe; Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg; Antonio Nusa, Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland.
France projected lineup
With head coach Didier Deschamps away on compassionate leave following the tragic passing of his mother, assistant coach Guy Stéphan will command the technical area.
Because France holds a superior goal difference (+5 to Norway’s +4), Stéphan knows a draw will be mathematically sufficient to clinch first place in Group I, but his projected lineup indicates an aggressive approach.
Mike Maignan lines up in goal behind a highly robust defensive partnership of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, flanked by Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez. In the absence of heavy rotation, Manu Kone and Adrien Rabiot are expected to form the double pivot in midfield. Further forward, Michael Olise will occupy the central playmaker role, flanked by Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, with Mbappe spearheading the attack.
France Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe.