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France has already clinched a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, but the identity of their next opponent hinges on the result of their final group-stage clash with Norway.
France’s World Cup campaign is off to a flying start, showcasing dominant group-stage performances, including a 3-1 victory over Senegal and a 3-0 win over Iraq. Star forward Kylian Mbappé, now in his third World Cup, has shown that he is in top form by netting two goals in each match.

Heading into their final group-stage match, France sits atop Group I with six points, edging Norway on goal difference, as the Norwegians have also claimed six points. The stage is now set for a decisive showdown: France and Norway will face off for first place in Group I. The winner will not only claim the top spot but also secure a more favorable matchup in the Round of 32.
If France secures the group, they’ll face a third-place team from Groups C, D, F, G, or H in the Round of 32, most likely Sweden. If France finishes second, Les Bleus would likely face the Group E runner-up, the Ivory Coast.
More: Norway vs France World Cup prediction, picks, analysis

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US forward #20 Folarin Balogun (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between USA and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP via Getty Images)

Should France win Group I, they will face a third-place team from one of Groups C, D, F, G, or H in the round of 32.

Group F: Sweden

If France finishes as Group I runners-up, it means a match against the second-place team from Group E.

Group E: Ivory Coast

If France comes out on top in Group I, they’ll be playing in New York/New Jersey on Tuesday, June 30, at 9 p.m. ET. If they finish in second place, they’ll still play on June 30, but the match will be in Dallas, with the kickoff time to be decided.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who will France play in World Cup round of 32? Showdown with Norway will set match
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