A mouthwatering duel between in-form goalscorers Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland will take centre stage at the World Cup on Friday as France face Norway in a crucial Group I decider.
Real Madrid star Mbappe and Manchester City striker Haaland have started the tournament in blistering form, neck-and-neck on four goals apiece in the race for the Golden Boot, just behind leader Lionel Messi on five.
On Friday the two forwards will meet in a heavyweight collision at Foxborough, outside Boston at 3:00 pm local time (2000 GMT), with top spot in the group up for grabs.
France, who looked majestic in swatting aside Senegal and Iraq, hold a slight advantage, with their superior goal difference meaning Les Bleus need only a draw to clinch first place in the group.
But the Norwegians have been equally impressive, routing Iraq 4-1 in their opener before beating Senegal 3-2 on Monday.
Haaland, playing in his first World Cup, has revelled in the global spotlight, playing with a swashbuckling gusto that could well ask hard questions of even France's experienced defence.
The 25-year-old has also embraced the tournament off the pitch, delighted at his ability to go sightseeing in New York City in relative anonymity.
After clinching a place in the last 32 with the win over Senegal, Haaland insisted he was not fussed at the prospect of facing France – who he regards as favourites for the tournament – and laughed off suggestions that Norway were title contenders.
Three big nations end their Group phase on Friday night 😤🏆#SSFootball | #DStvFIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/uYgD0neqSc
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 26, 2026
"To win the World Cup, absolutely not," he told Fox television.
"We've won 12 competitive games in a row now. I'm part of something special, making history, and I'm extremely proud to be Norwegian," adding that he "couldn't care" about playing France.
"They're probably going to win against us, they're probably going to win the whole tournament," he said.
DESCHAMPS BLOW
France and Mbappe's preparations for the game have been disrupted by the temporary departure of manager Didier Deschamps from the team's camp this week following the death of his mother.
Assistant coach Guy Stephan will take charge of the team until Deschamps' returns.
"I am thinking a lot about Didier and his family," Stephan said. "I am just trying to make a difficult situation as normal as possible."
France, though. will be eager to avoid a slip-up, knowing that finishing second in the group gives them a potentially more hazardous path to the July 19 final.
A defeat would set up a last 32 clash with Ivory Coast, before a potential meeting with Brazil in the last 16. England could potentially lie in wait in the quarterfinals, with Argentina seeded to be their opponents in the semifinal.
In other games on Friday, Spain will aim to clinch top spot in Group H with a potentially awkward clash with Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The Uruguayans will need to take at least a point from the fixture to have a chance of progressing to the last 32 after being held to a 2-2 draw by lowly Cape Verde in their second game.
Spain will clinch first place in the group with a draw.
Cape Verde meanwhile will attempt to continue their fairytale campaign with a victory over Saudi Arabia.
In Group G, Egypt will attempt to clinch top spot with victory over Iran in Seattle in a game that has been laced with controversy.
Friday's game is part of city-wide events to celebrate Pride in Seattle, and was designated as the "Pride Match" by local officials before the identities of the teams involved was known.
Iranian and Egyptian officials have both raised objections to the Seattle Pride celebrations around their fixture.
Homosexuality is illegal in Iran under Islamic law and can be punishable by death. In Egypt, homosexuality is often penalised under vaguely worded laws prohibiting "debauchery."
In the other Group G game, Belgium's ageing squad featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku will attempt to reach the knockout rounds with a victory over New Zealand.
If they succeed then that will likely eliminate Scotland, bottom of the 3rd place ranking after defeats by Morocco and Brazil.
"I think we just let ourselves down a bit," said Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson.
"It's going to be nervy watching some of the games and looking out for the results... it's just a waiting game."
Meanwhile, Ecuadorian president Daniel Noboa declared Friday a public holiday in the South American nation after their 2-1 win over Germany secured a spot in the last 32.
--------------------------------
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™
Fans can watch every FIFA World Cup 2026™ match live on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access. All matches are also available to stream on supported packages, ensuring flexible viewing options wherever you are.
How to stream the FIFA World Cup 2026™
With DStv Stream, you can follow every match anytime, anywhere. Download the app and enjoy seamless live streaming on the go.