France and Norway will face off in a highly anticipated World Cup group-stage match on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The game features two of soccer's biggest stars: Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
Mbappé has scored four goals in two matches this tournament, bringing his career World Cup total to 16.
Haaland has also netted four goals, contributing to victories against Senegal and Iraq.
The tournament has already set a historic attendance record, drawing 3,605,357 fans halfway through the competition.
This surpasses the previous record set during the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
France will be without head coach Didier Deschamps, who returned home following his mother's death.
Assistant coach Guy Stéphan will lead the team and spoke at the prematch press conference.
"He is very affected," Stéphan said. "I have a lot of exchanges with him, even just a few minutes ago.
I will strive to make the situation as normal as possible and to prove worthy of the trust he places in me."
Stéphan also confirmed that defender William Saliba will be unavailable for the match against Norway.
Cape Verde on the Brink of History
In Group H, Cape Verde can secure a spot in the knockout stage with a victory over Saudi Arabia in Houston.
The team has already impressed with a draw against Spain and a 2-2 tie with Uruguay.
"This once again shows that everyone is entitled to dream and nothing is impossible," said Bubista, Cape Verde coach.
The island nation of 500,000 people stands on the verge of a historic soccer achievement. "It's in our hands," said defender Roberto Lopes.
"We have to go and take it."
Spain can clinch Group H against Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico, while Uruguay needs a victory to advance.
Group G will likely be decided in Seattle when Egypt meets Iran in a match designated as the city's "Pride Match," coinciding with annual local LGBTQ+ celebrations.
U. S.
officials eased travel restrictions for the Iranian team, allowing them to arrive two days before the game rather than on match day.
Other Friday fixtures include Belgium facing New Zealand in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Senegal playing Iraq in Toronto, with both teams needing a win to pursue a third-place advancement strategy.
