- After rotating several players during the 3-0 victory over Iraq, France is set to recall Théo Hernandez and Aurélien Tchouaméni to the starting XI.
- Both France and Norway have already secured qualification for the Round of 32, meaning this final Group I clash at Foxborough is strictly a decider for first place.
- Assistant coach Guy Stéphan will continue to lead the team from the dugout as head coach Didier Deschamps remains away from the camp following the tragic passing of his mother.
As France prepares for its final 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I fixture against Norway at Foxborough, the squad is expected to revert to its strongest XI after some rotation in the 3-0 win over Iraq.
A draw is enough for Les Bleus to secure the top spot in the group. Sportpesa Blog takes a look at the updated tactical breakdown and predicted lineup for France’s crucial group-stage finale.
The biggest storyline heading into the fixture remains the absence of head coach Didier Deschamps, who temporarily left the camp to return home following the passing of his mother.
In his absence, assistant Guy Stéphan will lead the team from the dugout before entering the knockout rounds.
READ MORE ON THIS GAME PREVIEW: Norway Vs France Prediction: World Cup 2026 preview, team news, lineups & h2h
While Stéphan takes temporary charge, the team remains entirely focused on finishing what Deschamps started in the group stage, echoing the boss’s firm stance on the importance of the Norway clash.
“Putting the result beyond doubt against Iraq was a very good thing. We’ve qualified, even though I’m convinced that the third match against Norway will be decisive for our final position in the group.”
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France is projected to make key changes from the lineup that comfortably dispatched Iraq.
In defense, Théo Hernandez is tipped to step back into his natural left-back role ahead of Lucas Digne while Jules Koundé completes the four-man backline alongside the central pairing of Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba.
Further up the pitch, the engine room welcomes back Aurélien Tchouaméni. The Real Madrid anchor was rested during the second matchday but is expected to reclaim his spot in the double pivot alongside Adrien Rabiot.
In the attacking setup,Bradley Barcola looks set to make way on the left wing for the highly-rated Désiré Doué, while Michael Olise shifts into a central attacking midfield role. Ousmane Dembélé commands the right flank as Kylian Mbappé spearheads the attack.
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France predicted lineup against Norway
Predicted Lineup: Mike Maignan, Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Théo Hernandez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026