Norway and France collide in a battle for top spot in Group I as the World Cup knockout rounds near.
With Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe leading the charge, these two nations have played some of the best attacking football at the tournament in two wins to open the campaign to set up this showdown in Boston. The star forwards have four goals apiece – and may be eyeing the golden boot – but will perhaps face a sterner test as each team looks to avoid a more arduous route through the World Cup hereafter.
While the top two are assured of progress, Senegal and Iraq face a crucial clash of their own as they look to secure their own spot in the last 32. A win is a must for either to have a hope, with Senegal much the better placed on account of their superior goal difference. Can they deal Scotland a blow with a victory to take them through?
Follow all of the latest as Group I reaches a conclusion with our live blog below:
The Erling Haaland transformation driving Norway’s historic World Cup campaign
What do Senegal need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group I?
World Cup 2026 golden boot standings as Cristiano Ronaldo joins Messi, Mbappe and Haaland in race
Norway vs France LIVE
- Norway take on France in Group I decider at World Cup | Live on ITV with kick off at 8pm BST
- Winner will top the group; Ivory Coast await runner-up
- Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe both in fine form in chase for golden boot
- Senegal face Iraq needing a win to progress as third-placed finisher
- Scotland may need draw or Iraq victory to keep hopes alive
World Cup 2026 golden boot standings as Cristiano Ronaldo joins Messi, Mbappe and Haaland in race
18:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s becoming quite the chase for the World Cup golden boot, with just about all the main protagonists now at the tournament party. It is team success they are all hunting, of course.
World Cup 2026 golden boot standings including Ronaldo, Messi and Mbappe
How France finally found the perfect supporting cast for Kylian Mbappe
17:55 , Chris WilsonMbappe is being well supported by a collection of attacking talents that have both sparkling skill and selflessness that helps get the best out of one another.
How France finally found the perfect supporting cast for Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe makes a statement as France overcome two-hour storm delay to beat Iraq at World Cup
17:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleFrance also have their own star striker powering their charge at this World Cup. It was a season to forget for Kylian Mbappe in the colours of Real Madrid but he’s always delivered for France – even when a storm interrupts them. Chris Wilson watched them beat Iraq.
Kylian Mbappe makes a statement as France overcome two-hour storm delay to beat Iraq
‘We’re going to wake up the King!’: Norway fans take World Cup party to royal palace after famous win
17:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleNot even the Norwegian royal family are safe from the celebrations back home, meanwhile. This is a convenient kick off time for King Harald V, who may just be tuning in.
Norway fans take World Cup party to royal palace after famous win
Erling Haaland leads iconic Norway celebration after double downs Senegal to secure World Cup progress
17:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleHaaland and his colleagues certainly seem to be having fun in North America, joining with the Norway fans in a certain sort of celebration that has captured the imagination.
Haaland leads iconic Norway celebration after World Cup progression
The Erling Haaland transformation driving Norway’s historic World Cup campaign
17:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, let’s focus a little more squarely on our prospective table-toppers. We’ll start with Norway, who have had Erling Haaland to thank for much of their success at this tournament. Richard Jolly has noted a transformation in the Manchester City forward:
The Erling Haaland transformation driving Norway’s historic World Cup campaign
Why are World Cup games kicking off at the same time?
16:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou might be wondering why, in this age of TV revenue maximisation, the two final games in each group kick off simultaneously. Well, let Jamie Braidwood introduce you to the “Disgrace of Gijon”...
Why are World Cup games kicking off at the same time?
This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama
16:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt feels like we’ll have a fitting finale to this group at least, but are these fixtures underwhelming more generally? Miguel Delaney explains the Fifa decision that has made things less interesting.
This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama
The six World Cup results Scotland need to qualify for knockout stages
16:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland will be watching on eagerly with their World Cup fate out of their hands. This is one of six games that needs to go their way:
The six World Cup results Scotland need to qualify for knockout stages
Third-place rankings: How they stand in race to reach World Cup knockout stages
16:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere’s how the third place standings currently sit as Senegal and Iraq vie to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Third-place rankings: How they stand in race to reach World Cup knockout stages
What do Senegal and Iraq need to go through?
16:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s win or bust for Senegal and Iraq – with a few other permutations at play....
What do Senegal need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group I?
How Group I looks entering final round of fixtures
16:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere’s how the ladder looks entering today’s proceedings:
Norway vs France LIVE
12:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleWell this could be very fun indeed. Group I reaches a denouement at the World Cup with Norway and France squabbling over top spot, and Senegal and Iraq both with knockout hopes themselves but knowing a win will be a must. There has been plenty of criticism over this tournament format but a hectic evening could well be in store.
Kick off in both games is at 8pm BST.
