Mbappé starts for France, Haaland and Ødegaard rested

France enters their final group stage match against Norway with a formidable lineup. Tonight’s clash at Gillette Stadium in Boston is far from a mere formality; it is a direct battle to determine the group winner. Prior to this final fixture, France sits atop the table with 6 points and a +5 goal difference, while Norway holds second place, also with 6 points but a +4 goal difference. In their previous outings, France defeated Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0. Norway secured their spot in the next round by beating Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2. A win or a draw will see France top the group, whereas Norway must secure a victory to claim the summit.

Despite having already sealed a place in the Round of 32, head coach Didier Deschamps has named a strong starting eleven with the sole objective of finishing as group champions. Although he has made four changes to the side, Kylian Mbappé remains the spearhead of the attack. Mbappé, who has been in sensational form throughout the tournament, scored four goals in the first two matches. He is joined in the attack by Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué.

France Full XI: Mike Maignan, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ibrahima Konaté, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé.

On the other hand, Norway coach Ståle Solbakken has sprung a major surprise with his team selection. Star striker Erling Haaland, who has scored four goals in the opening two games, has been rested completely. Haaland is not the only high-profile omission; captain Martin Ødegaard has also been left out of the starting lineup. With the Round of 16 in mind, Solbakken has made a total of 10 changes to his side.

Norway Full XI: Egil Selvik, Leo Skiri Østigård, Fredrik Bjørkan, Henrik Falchener, Patrick Berg, Fredrik Aursnes, Kristian Thorstvedt, Thelo Aasgaard, Andreas Schjelderup, Oscar Bobb, Jørgen Strand Larsen.