France defeated Norway 4-1 to claim top spot in Group I at the World Cup after Ousmane Dembele’s sublime hat-trick in Boston.
Rangers star Thelo Aasgaard did cut Norway’s deficit to one after Dembele’s double, but another stunning strike from the Paris Saint-Germain forward and Desire Doue’s late goal proved too much for the much-changed Norwegians.
After 10 changes, including Erling Haaland, who failed to come off the bench, Norway were almost behind within a minute after Kylian Mbappe rattled the cross bar.
Dembele curled an opener and had two within 20 minutes before Aasgaard hit back 79 seconds later, before the PSG star reestablished the two-goal cushion. Oscar Bobb earned a penalty in the second half, but Jorgen Strand Larsen’s poor effort was saved by Mike Maignon.
But Doue added a fourth to complete the rout late on, with Norway forced to settle for a last 32 tie with the Ivory Coast. Senegal thrashed Iraq 5-0 to all but confirm their place in the last 32 as one of the eight best third-place finishers. Follow all of the latest reaction to the Group I finale below:
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Norway vs France LIVE
- France top group I after victory; Norway settle for second and face Ivory Coast in last 32
- Senegal thrash 10-man Iraq to all but secure last 32 place
- 90+4' GOAL! Doue adds a fourth for magnificent Les Bleus [NOR 1-4 FRA]
- 32' GOAL! Another magic finish from Dembele for the hat-trick [NOR 1-3 FRA]
- 21' GOAL! Aasgard replies within 79 seconds to give Norway hope [NOR 1-2 FRA]
- 20' GOAL! Dembele with another rocket to put Les Bleus clear [NOR 0-2 FRA]
- 6' GOAL! Dembele stunner puts France ahead in Boston [NOR 0-1 FRA]
- 82' GOAL! Ndiaye brings up five for rampant Lions of Teranga [SEN 5-0 IRQ]
Are France favourites to win the World Cup?
23:03 , Alex PattleAre France THE favourites for the tournament right now? Most people thought it’d be them or Spain going all the way, with a decent amount of picks for Argentina, too.
But France look perhaps the most well-rounded right now, the most comfortable at this level.
They won 4-1 today and, yes, Norway fielded a team of 10 changes (with no Haaland or Odegaard), and the underdogs missed a penalty, but France looked like they had another gear that they could’ve used if needed.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic on France’s chances of going all the way
22:53 , Alex Pattle“Anything can happen. Three games... they had their biggest talent individually, they're shining; the PSG players are shining; even the goalkeeper made saves, he's shining.
“It's the defending. If they want, they can win it. By seeing them play, it's fun, the combination.
“ It's not easy, part of the job of the manager is to combine and work them together; they need to work together, they're all connecting.”
Next up for Iraq? A trip home
22:41 , Alex PattleBottom of the group with zero points, Iraq face the reality that their World Cup is over.
Thierry Henry on France’s chances of going all the way
22:32 , Alex Pattle“It's a different competition that starts now.
“They did what they needed to do. The penalty [that Norway missed] would have been costly. The one vs one, as a coach you'll look at it.
“They could play Germany [in the last 16]; that's the World Cup, it starts now.”
Next up for Senegal? Well...
22:27 , Alex PattleUnlike France and Norway, Senegal have not yet qualified for the round of 32.
As the fifth-best third-placed team, at the time of writing, they’re very much hanging in the balance.
Remember, the eight best third-placed teams go through.
Next up for France?
22:18 , Alex PattleWe actually don’t yet know who France will play, but we know it’ll be one of the third-placed teams from Groups C, D, F, G or H.
And that last-32 tie will play out at the New York New Jersey Stadium next Tuesday, at 10pm BST.
Next up for Norway?
22:11 , Alex PattleNorway will go on to face Ivory Coast in the round of 32 next Tuesday.
That game (6pm BST kick-off) will take place in Dallas – well, Arlington, near Dallas.
FULL TIME! Senegal 5-0 Iraq
22:05 , Alex PattleThat result makes Senegal the fifth-best third-placed team, as it stands, with Scotland relegated to ninth for now... It’s not looking good for them.
FULL TIME! Norway 1-4 France
22:00 , Alex PattleFT: And there’s the final whistle!
A hat-trick from Dembele and a late goal from Doue condemn Norway to second place in the group, while France emerges as winners – as expected, in fairness.
GOAL! Norway 1-4 France (Doue, 90+4')
21:59 , Alex Pattle90+4 mins: One more for France, a lovely header by Doue!
The ball is crossed into him from Barcola on the left, and Doue redirects the ball very nicely into the top corner.
Senegal 5-0 Iraq
21:58 , Alex PattleNdiaye gets in on the action as Senegal ramp up their goal difference even further against 10-man Iraq!
Norway 1-3 France – substitutions
21:56 , Alex Pattle90 mins: Five minutes of added time to come. The match is still playing out very casually at the moment.
A couple more changes for both teams, including Gusto and Mateta coming on for France’s Kounde and Mbappe.
Norway 1-3 France
21:50 , Alex Pattle86 mins: This game has really run out of momentum. No real need for either side to take any risks, I suppose.
Senegal 4-0 Iraq
21:44 , Alex PattleAnother goal in the other game in this group! It’s a second for Pape Gueye, Senegal are doing wonders for their goal difference.
Norway 1-3 France
21:43 , Alex Pattle79 mins: Norway are knocking now. Can they find the goal that would make for a fun conclusion?
Norway 1-3 France – substitution
21:40 , Alex Pattle77 mins: Konate replaces Upamecano in the centre of the France defence.
Norway 1-3 France
21:37 , Alex Pattle73 mins: Aasgaard wins the ball in the middle of the France half and races forward!
He lays the ball off to his right, where Bobb has space in the box...
But his shot is tame! Maignan parries it away.
Another wasted chance for Norway.
Norway 1-3 France
21:35 , Alex Pattle71 mins: It’s surprising that Mbappe hasn’t been taken off. You’d think France might want to take this chance to rest him, ahead of the round of 32.
Maybe that move will come shortly.
Norway 1-3 France
21:33 , Alex Pattle69 mins: Hydration break!
That goes for you at home in the UK, too, if you’re reading from there.
Heatwave nearly over, at least...
Norway 1-3 France – substitutions
21:30 , Alex Pattle65 mins: France break and Mbappe dribbles into the Norwegian box from the left, but he maybe shoots a little late, and his shot is blocked.
Another move, this time through Dembele, and a blocked cross wins a corner.
Some changes now, as Dembele – the hat-trick hero – makes way, as does Olise.
Barcola and Cherki come on for France.
Senegal 3-0 Iraq
21:28 , Jack RathbornSenegal are in dreamland, they have a cushion and big boost to their goal difference now.
Ismaela Sarr and Pape Gueye have added to their lead, with the Africans 3-0 up and on track to qualify as a third-place team.
Norway 1-3 France
21:26 , Alex Pattle63 mins: Olise takes a free kick from a promising position outside the box, but more the territory to whip or chip one in than shoot.
He does whip one in, but it’s a bit too quick for his French teammates to get onto. Goal kick to Norway.
I must say, France have been good BUT you get the feeling they could hit another gear if they wanted or needed to.
Scotland on the brink of World Cup exit in race for top eight finish among third-place teams
21:24 , Jack RathbornScotland would be down to ninth if the score in Senegal v Iraq stands. Senegal would have a -2 goal difference vs Steve Clarke's side on -3, with both teams on three points. That would not be the end for Scotland, though, as long as at least one of the following happens.
Croatia could yet drop down and out of the top eight third-place teams if Ghana beat them by three goals tomorrow.
While Algeria, too, could finish lower if they lose to Austria on Saturday by two goals.
Norway 1-3 France
21:22 , Alex Pattle59 mins: Selvik took off his gloves, but maybe it was an issue with his leg? He had his right sock down, but he was obscured by the physios, so it was hard to tell exactly what was bothering him.
He’s okay to continue, after a bit of stretching. Maybe it was his calf?
Norway 1-3 France
21:21 , Alex Pattle57 mins: Mbappe looks to arch a shot into the right-hand top corner from the edge of the box, but it’s just over the bar. A pacey effort, though.
Selvik, in the Norway goal, appears to have hurt himself while diving for it anyway...
Norway 1-3 France
21:19 , Alex Pattle55 mins: Strand Larsen’s poor penalty was a huge let-off for France, but credit to Maignan for making the save anyway.
Norway 1-3 France
21:17 , Alex Pattle52 mins: Some really impressive interplay from Norway, but they can’t quite get a shot off in the France box after some short, accurate passes.
France break at speed, but Selvik is quick to rush out and get down, halting Mbappe in his box.
NORWAY PENALTY MISSED!
21:15 , Alex Pattle50 mins: Right, no Haaland on the pitch to take it... It’ll be Strand Larsen instead.
And it’s poor from him!!
Low, meant to to Maignan’s right, but farrrrr too close to the keeper, who parries it away!
PENALTY TO NORWAY!
21:13 , Alex Pattle48 mins: Bobb wins a penalty for Norway!
He twists and turns in the France box, and Hernandez bites twice! He gets away with a small trip as Bobb stays on his feet – but the second bite of the apple proves ill advised, as Bobb falls!
Spot kick to Norway!
BACK UNDER WAY! Norway 1-3 France
21:11 , Alex PattleTwo changes for Norway; none for France.
Norway remove left back Bjorkan and midfielder Thorstvedt, bringing on Pedersen and Thorsby.
Norway are aiming to become the first team in World Cup history to WIN from a half-time, two-goal deficit.
France, of course, drew 2-2 and then 3-3 after extra time in the 2022 final, having trailed 0-2 at half-time. They eventually lost on penalties.
HALF-TIME: Senegal 1-0 Iraq
21:06 , Alex PattleElsewhere in Group I, Senegal lead 10-man Iraq 1-0.
A bad evening for Iraq so far!
Also a bad evening for Scotland; they’ve dropped out of the top eight third-placed teams...
World Cup golden boot standings
21:01 , Alex PattleLionel Messi 5
Ousmane Dembele 4
Erling Haaland 4
Kylian Mbappe 4
Vinícius Júnior 4
Brian Brobbey 3
Deniz Undav 3
Ismael Saibari 3
Johan Manzambi 3
Jonathan David 3
Matheus Cunha 3
HALF-TIME! Norway 1-3 France
20:53 , Alex Pattle45+5 mins: And the whistle goes for half-time.
A great half for France, and a terrific half for Dembele specifically, courtesy of that hat-trick.
Are France THE favourites for the tournament right now? Most people thought it’d be them or Spain going all the way, with a decent amount of picks for Argentina, too.
But France look perhaps the most well-rounded right now, the most comfortable at this level.
Norway 1-3 France
20:50 , Alex Pattle45+3 mins: France look very comfortable in that attacking third, with Doue, Dembele and Mbappe combining easily, and Kone often joining them, too.
Norway 1-3 France
20:47 , Alex Pattle45+1 mins: More great keeping from Selvik to deny Kone at very close range!
The France midfielder tried to roll the ball to the side, so he could go round the goalkeeper, but Selvik was wise to it.
Norway 1-3 France
20:45 , Alex Pattle44 mins: Close shave! A poor Norway pass has Doue one-on-one with Selvik in the box!
The goalkeeper does really well to dispossess the Frenchman without giving away a penalty.
Before you know it, Norway have a corner which is played deep, headed back across goal, then cleared.
And France break rapidly, until Dembele’s short pass in the Norway area is deflected away.
Norway 1-3 France
20:41 , Alex Pattle40 mins: Norway are back on the ball for a spell, but they give up possession deep in France’s half, with Les Bleus taking a throw-in from their own left flank.
They move it diagonally out to the right, then a crossfield ball is sprayed terrifically to Doue, who tries to squeeze between a pair of defenders and into the box.
No luck.
Norway 1-3 France
20:39 , Alex Pattle37 mins: Another good stat for you; that’s the first first-half hat-trick at a World Cup since Oleg Salenko notched one for Russia versus Cameroon in 1994.
Norway 1-3 France
20:36 , Alex Pattle35 mins: That’s the third hat-trick at this World Cup, following Lionel Messi’s for Argentina and Jonathan David’s for Canada.
GOAL! Norway 1-3 France (Dembele, 32')
20:35 , Alex Pattle32 mins: The ball is slipped through to Strand Larsen in the France box, but he’s flanked by defenders and it’s nipped off him.
France come forward now, moving the ball tidily around the edge of the Norway area...
It goes out to the left, now the right. Dembele toys with his nearest man then curls one into the far bottom corner!!
It’s a hat-trick for him, three goals almost exactly the same!
Norway 1-2 France
20:32 , Alex Pattle31 mins: A bit of a look in for Norway there, as they have Maignan scrambling to get ahold of the ball just in front of his goal.
France soon cede possession again, and – for now at least – Norway look comfortable on the ball.
Norway 1-2 France
20:29 , Alex Pattle28 mins: You have to give Norway such credit for that instant reply.
A team with 10 changes in personnel, down 2-0 early, and they still find the chemistry and courage to keep themselves in it.
Was it complacency from France, though?
Norway 1-2 France
20:27 , Alex Pattle24 mins: Hydration break, “boooooo!”
Dembele at the double for France. Aasgard pulling one back for Norway.
GOAL! Norway 1-2 France (Aasgard, 21')
20:25 , Alex Pattle21 mins: WOW! Norway with a perfect reply!
Aasgaard gets on the ball in the France box, shimmies to deceive and drop Upamecano, then slides a low finish to Maignan’s right!
79 seconds between goals. Game on.
GOAL! Norway 0-2 France (Dembele, 20')
20:23 , Alex Pattle20 mins: It’s Dembele again, and it’s a very similar strike to the first!
France break through Olise on the left, and he plays it to Mbappe in the middle of the Norway half.
Ostigard has a fistful of Mbappe’s shirt, pulling him down as the captain manages to pick out Dembele on the right anyway.
Credit to referee Michael Oliver for playing advantage, because Dembele races forward and curls a finish across goal for a brace!
Norway 0-1 France
20:19 , Alex Pattle18 mins: Chance for Mbappe!
His close-range effort, on the angle, draws a good save out of Selvik.
Senegal 1-0 Iraq
20:18 , Jack Rathborn13 min: Rebin Sulaka sent off for Iraq!
It goes from bad to worse for Iraq, and Scotland, with Sulaka sent off following a VAR review. His yellow is upgrade to a red.
Norway 0-1 France
20:17 , Alex Pattle15 mins: A Norway free-kick out on the right is played in from deep. It’s headed away, but Norway retain possession.
They clip it into the box from the left now, and there’s some magnificent control from Strand Larsen, picking the ball out of the air and deceiving Upamecano!
But he blasts his shot over! A big miss, that...
Norway 0-1 France
20:15 , Alex Pattle13 mins: France continue to favour the right flank when they’re coming forward, but Norway have had a little bit more of the ball in the last few minutes.
They pass it around the back, inviting some pressure now...
And it sees them give up possession in the worst position!
Tchouameni wins it and it’s played out left to Olise in the box, but his effort is thwarted. Let-off.
Norway 0-1 France
20:11 , Alex Pattle9 mins: That had been coming. It’s been all France so far, against this much, much-changed Norway XI.
GOAL! Norway 0-1 France (Dembele, 6')
20:10 , Alex Pattle6 mins: France have the opener!!
The ball is sprayed out to Dembele on the right wing, and he has so much space in front of him.
The Norway defence just about get back to cover, but Dembele twists and turns, and Bjorkan has no chance to block the shot.
Dembele fires across goal and finds the net.
Norway 0-0 France
20:08 , Alex Pattle
GOAL! Senegal lead over Iraq in Group I finale
20:08 , Jack Rathborn5 min: Abdoulaye Seck has given Senegal an early lead against Iraq!
That’s bad news for Scotland, with the Lions of Teranga able to leapfrog the Tartan Army with a victory in pursuit of a coveted top eight place in the league of third-place finishers.
Norway 0-0 France
20:06 , Alex Pattle4 mins: France probe again via the right wing, but Mbappe is tackled as the ball goes out for a throw.
Now France work it out to the left, with Kone dictating play.
Oh! Good save from Selvik as Kone slams a shot goalwards from the edge of the box!
Norway 0-0 France
20:03 , Alex Pattle1 min: CROSSBAR!!
France break away down the right flank, and inside the first 30 seconds, Mbappe bears down on goal before RAMMING a shot against the crossbar!
It bounces down and away, but it wasn’t far from crossing the line, really...
KICK-OFF! Norway v France and Senegal v Iraq under way
20:02 , Alex PattleIt must be said that moment of silence was wonderfully observed. There’s a bouquet of flowers brought out, too, for the mother of Didier Deschamps.
The France coach’s mother passed away this week, so he’s back in his home nation for her funeral.
And we have kick-off!
Senegal vs Iraq is also under way, of course.
Teams out on pitch; moment of silence
20:00 , Alex PattleBoth teams make their way onto the pitch. There’s a moment of silence for the victims of this week’s earthquakes in Venezuela.
Kick-off imminent!
19:52 , Alex PattleOkay! Only eight minutes until kick-off.
We’ve got Norway vs France and Senegal vs Iraq very shortly.
Why Didier Deschamps isn’t at France’s World Cup game vs Norway
19:47 , Alex PattleFrench national team coach Didier Deschamps has flown back to France to attend his mother's funeral and will miss the team's match against Norway, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday.
Deschamps was not present for training sessions leading up to the game, nor will he be on the bench for tonight’s fixture.
The FFF confirmed in a statement: "Didier Deschamps will not be able to oversee training sessions ahead of the Norway v France match. He will also be absent from the bench for Friday's final Group I game."
The federation added: "The national team coach learned this morning of the death of his mother and will return to France to attend her funeral."
Why Didier Deschamps isn’t at France’s World Cup game vs Norway
Group I permutations
19:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWith kick off creeping ever closer, here is a reminder of all of the permutations you need to know:
What do Senegal need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group I?
World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and group tables
19:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s probably keeping this one bookmarked for the remainder of the tournament – every fixture, result, group table and much more from this World Cup is all covered in our one-stop shop:
World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and group tables
Stale Solbakken explains key to Erling Haaland's success
19:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleNorway boss Stale Solbakken hailed Erling Haaland’s quality as a team player as part of the reason for his success at this tournament.
"He is not focused on being the top scorer. He is focused on the team and he is a team player who is happy when a teammate scores," Solbakken said. "He has the killer instinct and wants to score but his greater strength is that he puts the team first."
Why Didier Deschamps won't be on the touchline
19:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleMidfielder Aurelien Tchouameni says France are on a mission to make absent coach Didier Deschamps proud by securing top spot in World Cup Group I.
Deschamps will miss Friday’s clash with Norway in Foxborough after returning home following the death of his mother.
Les Bleus and Norway are level on six points and have already secured progression to the knockout stages thanks to respective victories over Senegal and Iraq.
“On behalf of the entire French team, the French family, we send our condolences to the coach and his entourage,” Real Madrid player Tchouameni told a press conference, according to L’Equipe
.“It’s a complicated time for everyone. We tried to make things normal but we have a mission and we want to make him proud.”
Senegal and Iraq teams also confirmed
18:52 , Alex PattleSenegal XI: Diaw; Diatta, Seck, Niakhate, Jakobs; Gueye, Diarra; Mbaye, Camara, Mane; Sarr
Iraq XI: Basil; Putros, Hashim, Sulaka, Doski; Al Ammari; Jasim, Bayesh, Iqbal, Qasem; Al Hamadi
Haaland rested amid numerous changes for Norway vs France
18:49 , Alex PattleNorway XI: Selvik; Aursnes, Falchener, Ostigard, Bjorkan; Thorstvedt, Berg, Aasgaard; Bobb, Strand Larsen, Schjelderup
France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Lacroix, Hernandez; Tchouameni, Kone; Dembele, Olise, Doue; Mbappe
So, 10 Norway changes, with the absences of Haaland and Odegaard being the most notable!
Team news on the way....
18:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, we should have team news for you in the next little while. France have rotated in places in their first two games, giving chances to Manu Kone, Bradley Barcola and Lucas Digne last time out. Will Aurelien Tchouameni, Desire Doue and Theo Hernandez be back in? William Saliba looks set to miss out through injury while Wiliam Saliba is dealing with calf pain.
What would be next for France or Norway?
18:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Ivory Coast are another interested party tonight, with a guaranteed fixture against either France or Norway for them in the last 32. The Group I runners-up will play in Arlington, Texas on 30 June.
The winners also face a fixture on that date – though would be bound for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey against a third-placed finisher from Group D, F or G.
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge as England stall in round two
18:20 , Will CastleThe crop of contenders for overall victory is clarifying, too. Here’s how we ranked them ahead of the third round of fixtures:
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge after round two
VOTE: Who will win the golden boot?
18:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleWorld 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:
Why France are desperate to top the group
13:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s not just the opposition in the last 32 that will matter to France, but travel logistics, too. Topping the group would mean the 2018 champions would be able to stay in northeaster of the United States until the quarter-finals, while the team that finishes second faces the prospect of travelling long distances to Dallas, Miami and Atlanta.
"First and foremost, we have qualified and it doesn't happen very often that after two games we have six points," stand-in manager Guy Stephan said. "Didier [Deschamps] wants to finish top, as the whole group does, because it would be completely different logistically. The travel times to different cities would be a lot longer if we finish second. And there's the issue of the temperatures too. First place is best."
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.
