Haaland vs Mbappé set for Group I decider Friday

France on Friday, first place at stake

Norway face France in the Group I decider on Friday (1) (2) (3). Winner tops the group. You are already through to the round of 16 after that 3–2 win over Senegal, so this is about seeding and momentum. Erling Haaland has four goals in the tournament and Kylian Mbappé stands in the way. Their first ever meeting at a World Cup.

Deschamps will not be on the touchline

France head coach Didier Deschamps misses the match to attend his mother's funeral (2). Assistant Guy Stéphan takes the sideline. A strange and heavy backdrop to a huge game.

Haaland on comparisons with Mbappé

The two stars have circled each other for years. Haaland addressed the Mbappé parallels back in 2022: "I don't like comparing myself to others. You have to have your own identity as a player. The press has done that with Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi for the last ten years and they also push each other" (1). On Friday, finally, the real thing.

Fan-reaktioner

Fans are buzzing over Ødegaard's first-person 3D view of Norway's second goal against Senegal, quick transitions, high intensity, and a glimpse of how fast this team moves when Haaland and the captain connect. Watch it here.