Haaland downplays Norway's World Cup clash with France, tips Mbappé's side to win

Norway striker Erling Haaland has played down his team's final group-stage match against France at the 2026 World Cup, saying the French are likely to win both the game and the tournament. Speaking to Vox Sports, the forward said Norway had already secured progress to the round of 32 by beating Senegal 3-2 in the second matchday, and that reaching the knockout stage was itself an important achievement for the squad. Haaland suggested France will most likely leave the pitch victorious and go on to lift the trophy, adding that he does not view the fixture as a personal duel with French captain Kylian Mbappé. The result will determine the group winner, with the top finisher set to face a lower-ranked opponent in the round of 16. Norway's meeting with France in the final group match will decide who finishes first in the section.