World Cup 2026: Norway and France line up in 4-2-3-1 with Selvik and Maignan in goal

The duel looks set to be tight in a group where every point counts for qualification. Both teams are using the same 4-2-3-1 tactical system, favoring defensive balance and attacking creativity. The coaches, Ståle Solbakken for Norway and Didier Deschamps for France, are relying on solid lines and high-impact players in midfield.

Norway are leaning on a defensive unit made up of Fredrik Aursnes, Henrik Sælebakke Falchener, Leo Østigård and Fredrik André Bjørkan, with Egil Selvik in goal. The midfield combines Patrick Berg and Kristian Thorstvedt in a double pivot, supported by Oscar Bobb, Thelo Aasgaard and Andreas Schjelderup in the attacking zone. The attack is led by centre-forward Jørgen Strand Larsen.

For France, Mike Maignan starts in goal behind a defense featuring Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix and Theo Hernández. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Manu Koné form the heart of midfield, while the attacking play is entrusted to Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Désiré Doué. Kylian Mbappé, the captain, leads the line up front.

Reading Norway’s XI

Ståle Solbakken opts for a classic 4-2-3-1. The defense provided by Aursnes, Falchener, Østigård and Bjørkan ensures a balance between cover and forward runs. Berg and Thorstvedt in midfield offer a duo capable of winning the ball back and directing play forward. On the wings and in support of the striker, Bobb, Aasgaard and Schjelderup bring creativity and movement, looking to supply Strand Larsen, alone up front. Goalkeeper Selvik, well supported, must keep a clean sheet against a French team effective on the counterattack. On the bench, Norway can call on high-profile players such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, who could change the game.

Reading France’s XI

Didier Deschamps’ France also line up in a 4-2-3-1 with a solid defensive base including Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix and Theo Hernández. The Tchouaméni-Koné double pivot guarantees balance between attacking and defensive phases, with links into the line of three attacking midfielders where Dembélé and Olise support Désiré Doué. Kylian Mbappé, operating as a mobile centre-forward, is the main attacking threat, both in terms of pace and finishing. On the bench, there are numerous options, notably N’Golo Kanté and Adrien Rabiot, giving the coach solutions to adjust the tempo of the match.

The two teams promise an intense tactical contest, with key players named from kickoff who will influence the course of this decisive match for qualification to the next round.