Norway returned to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years and will look to continue making its journey unforgettable as it plays in the next round of 32, having qualified as the second-placed team from Group E.
After beating Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2 in the first two group stage matches, the Norwegians secured a place in the knockouts. It played a second-tier side against France, while most of the first-team regulars, including Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, were rested.
Le Blues dominated the match from the start, with Ousmane Dembele scoring a hat-trick and Desire Doue heading in the fourth goal in their 4-1 win.
As a result, Norway finished second in Group I. The country will play Ivory Coast on June 30 for a place in the round of 16 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Points table Group I after the end of the first round:
| Position | Team | Played | wins | Pulls | To lose | GD | Points |
| 1. | France | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +8 | 9 |
| 2. | Norway | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 6 |
| 3. | Senegal | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +2 | 3 |
| 4. | Iraq | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -11 | 0 |
Published on June 27, 2026
