Group I · Matchday 3
FrancevsNorway
2026-06-26·15:00 localPredictions finalised
The forecast
Match-outcome probability
- France win51.2%
- Draw26.1%
- Norway win22.7%
The model rates France as favourites at 62%, with Norway projected at 15% to win.
Why the model says this
Favoring France
- ·France holds a significant Elo advantage of 169 points over Norway.
- ·France's FIFA rank of 3 is substantially higher than Norway's rank of 29.
- ·France's expected goals (xG) of 1.69 are considerably higher than Norway's 1.06 xG.
- ·France has won 5 of their last 6 matches, drawing the other.
Favoring Norway
- ·Norway has secured 5 victories in 16 historical matches against France.
- ·Norway has scored 15 goals in their last 6 matches, averaging 2.5 goals per game.
What the model can't fully price
- ·Two players across both squads are carrying fitness doubts, with one projected to be a starter. The model's lineup channel currently contributes zero, meaning these potential absences are not factored into the probabilities.
Form check
France
SteadyFrance enters this match in formidable form, having secured 5 wins and 1 draw in their last 6 outings. During this period, they have scored 17 goals while conceding only 5, demonstrating both offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
5 wins and 1 draw in last 6 matches
Norway
SteadyNorway's recent form shows a mixed bag of results, with 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last 6 fixtures. They have maintained a strong attacking output, scoring 15 goals, but have also shown vulnerability with a recent draw and loss.
15 goals scored in last 6 matches
Analysis
How it plays out
Both sides run a balanced system, so this becomes a test of who executes the same ideas better on the day.
What decides it
Erling Haaland carries the marginally higher scoring probability (11.0% vs 7.9%).
Off the pitch
Didier Deschamps (14 years in charge of France) vs Ståle Solbakken (6 years). That tenure gap shows up in squad familiarity and set-piece coordination.
The angle
France are the defending champions. That brings quality but also the weight of being everyone's scalp match.
▸Goals & scorelines
Likeliest score 1–0 (11.9%) · xG 1.7 - 0.9
Expected goals
Mean of the Dixon-Coles joint goal distribution. Same fit that produces the most-likely-scoreline list below.
Most likely scorelines
- 1–011.9%
- 1–111.9%
- 2–010.9%
- 2–19.7%
- 0–07.9%
From the Dixon-Coles joint Poisson with the low-score correction. Scorelines are listed in probability order; this is a description of the model's distribution, not a recommendation.
Most likely half-time scorelines
- 0–027.6%
- 1–022.7%
- 0–111.3%
- 1–111.0%
- 2–010.1%
Same Dixon-Coles fit as the full-time list above, with rates halved to a 45-minute window and the low-score correction applied to that 1st-half block. The 0-0 row sits higher here than at full-time because fewer minutes have elapsed.
Goal totals
- More than 0.5 goals92.1%
- More than 1.5 goals74.4%
- More than 2.5 goals48.8%
- More than 3.5 goals27.0%
- More than 4.5 goals12.6%
- More than 5.5 goals5.1%
- Both teams score49.2%
Each row is the probability the match finishes with more than the listed number of goals. Both-teams-to-score is the probability each side scores at least once. All values are marginals of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid that produces the scoreline list above — not market lines or any other operator construct.
Event-typed probabilities
- France clean sheetOpposing team scores zero41.0%
- Norway clean sheetOpposing team scores zero17.6%
Derived from the same Dixon-Coles joint distribution as the scoreline list. These are descriptive event probabilities — see CLAUDE.md §3/§4 (formerly COMPLIANCE.md §4.2.7) for the framing the project uses.
Win-margin probability
- France by 4+5.4%
- France by 3+14.5%
- France by 2+32.2%
- France by 1+56.6%
- Draw24.9%
- Norway by 1+18.4%
- Norway by 2+6.2%
- Norway by 3+1.5%
- Norway by 4+0.3%
Each row is the probability the match ends with the listed margin or larger in that direction. Marginal of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid; the “by 1+” rows plus the draw row sum to 1.
▸How the match unfolds
Over 2.5 goals 48.8% · BTTS 49.2%
Game state through the match
- France ahead57.3%
- Level23.6%
- Norway ahead19.1%
Probability of each game state at minutes 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 — derived from two independent thinned-Poisson processes with the Dixon-Coles per-team rates. The three lines always sum to 1 at each minute. The right column shows the state at the match's closing minute.
When the first goal arrives
- 0–1535.4%
- 15–3022.9%
- 30–4514.8%
- 45–609.5%
- 60–756.2%
- 75–904.0%
- No goal7.2%
Probability the match's first goal arrives in each 15-minute window. Homogeneous Poisson with combined rate λ = λh + λa from the Dixon-Coles fit; the seven rows (six windows + no-goal tail) sum to 1.
Half-time / full-time grid
| HT ↓ / FT → | HFrance win | DDraw | ANorway win |
|---|---|---|---|
| HFrance ahead | 37.7% | 4.3% | 1.0% |
| DLevel | 17.3% | 15.2% | 7.1% |
| ANorway ahead | 2.3% | 4.3% | 10.8% |
Each cell is P(half-time result, full-time result). All nine cells sum to 1. Derived from a halved-λ Dixon-Coles fit for the first half plus an independent-Poisson second-half convolution.
Comeback probability
- France trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT6.5%
- Norway trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT5.4%
Joint probability — P(side trailing at half-time AND avoiding defeat at full-time). NOT conditional on trailing at HT. Derived from the same half-time / full-time decomposition that produces the HT/FT grid above; a tied first half is neither a home nor an away comeback opportunity.
Cards
- Expected yellow cardsMean of the Poisson on total yellow cards.3.45
- Total yellows over 2.567.0%
- Total yellows over 3.545.3%
- Total yellows over 4.526.5%
- Any red cardP(at least one red card in the match).9.5%
Referee not yet assigned. Using the 2026 pool-mean per-match rate as a placeholder; the model picks up the referee's personal rate once the assignment is published. Total yellow cards modelled as a Poisson with mean equal to two team baselines plus the referee's deviation from the pool mean. Reds are modelled the same way, independently. See /docs/methodology/.
▸Teams & players
Top scorer: Haaland (11.0%)
Match detail
France
Model-rated key players: Marcus Thuram (FW) — P(scores) 7.9%; Kylian Mbappé (FW) — P(scores) 3.1%; Bradley Barcola (FW) — P(scores) 2.5%.
France under Didier Deschamps play a balanced game with 51% possession. Their likely shape is a 4-2-3-1, though they have also used 4-3-3. They sit deeper and pick their moments to press (PPDA 26.1) and build patiently through midfield with 7.5 passes per attacking sequence.
France will need to leverage their strengths while managing the physical demands of a tournament spread across three host countries. Managing the fitness of Kylian Mbappé could prove decisive — their availability transforms the team's ceiling.
Norway
Model-rated key players: Erling Haaland (FW) — P(scores) 11.0%; Alexander Sørloth (FW) — P(scores) 3.8%; Erling Braut Haaland (FW) — P(scores) 2.1%.
Limited recent tournament data is available for Norway's tactical profile. Early indicators suggest a balanced approach.
Norway will need to leverage their strengths while managing the physical demands of a tournament spread across three host countries.
France's predicted XI averages 2,336 club minutes over the 2024-25 season (moderate load).
France coverage: 92.0% (11/11 XI matched against the FBref Big-5) · Norway: 46.0% (7/11).
France historically converts 16.4% of xG from set-pieces, contributing 0.28 expected set-piece goals in this fixture. Norway converts 13.6% from set-pieces (0.12 expected). Combined, the model expects 0.41 set-piece goals across the 90 minutes.
- P(France scores set-piece goal) 24.8%
- P(Norway scores set-piece goal) 11.4%
- P(set-piece goal in match) 33.4%
France: Florian Thauvin on corners (70 corners) (per fbref 2020 21) · Norway: Martin Ødegaard on free kicks (per fbref 2022 23)
If a penalty is awarded to France, the model gives 73.3% conversion, 72.0% for Norway.
France primary PK: Marcus Thuram (4/5 in 2018-19, per fbref 2020 21) · Norway primary PK: Erling Haaland (2/2 in 2022-23, per fbref 2022 23).
Derived from the model's per-fixture forecast joint and supporting reference data (predicted squads, set-piece xG share, PK posteriors, club minutes). See /docs/methodology/ for the full methodology.
Tactical forecast
- PPDA
- 26.1
- Possession
- 51%
- Directness (yds/pass)
- 5.2
- Long balls/90
- 28
- Set-piece xG
- 16%
Partial coverage from FotMob match stats (recent qualifiers and friendlies): possession and shot volume only. Press and build-up metrics are not available for this side.
- PPDA
- —
- Possession
- 56%
- Directness (yds/pass)
- —
- Long balls/90
- —
- Set-piece xG
- 14%
Style profile per side from StatsBomb open-data aggregation across recent international tournaments (Euro 2020/2024, Copa America 2024, AFCON 2023, World Cup 2018/2022). The tactical-fingerprint badge maps each team’s observed style vector into one of eight canonical archetypes via a rule-based classifier; teams with fewer than three matches of qualifying coverage carry an “insufficient-data” label rather than being forced into a default. Sides outside the StatsBomb-open corpus use FotMob team match stats from recent qualifiers and friendlies instead (possession and shot volume only), marked as partial coverage. PPDA = passes the side allows per defensive action (lower = more intense press). Formation distributions are not yet produced — that head of the §2.7 classifier is pending its own data pull. See /docs/methodology/.
Squad depth
Most irreplaceable starters
France
- N'Golo KantéDefensive midfieldNo natural backup0.43gap
- Aurélien TchouaméniDefensive midfieldNo natural backup0.26gap
- Kylian MbappéStrikerCover: Jean-Philippe Mateta · 0.770.21gap
Norway
- Erling HaalandStrikerNo natural backup0.75gap
- Alexander SørlothStrikerNo natural backup0.62gap
- Martin ØdegaardAttacking midfieldCover: Thelo Aasgaard · 0.310.51gap
Gap = how far a side's rating at the position falls from the starter to his likely in-squad replacement (named under each name). Larger = harder to replace. Descriptive metric, does not feed the published probabilities. Methodology →
Match conditions
- AltitudeNear sea level67 m
- Avg temperatureFive-year mean over the tournament window21.8 °C
- Avg humidity76%
- Heat stressShade WBGT ~24.1 °CLow heat stress
- Pitch surfacetemporary natural grass over artificial turf
Artificial-turf NFL stadium laying a temporary natural-grass pitch for the tournament.
Heat stress is a shade Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature proxy from the venue's climatology mean temperature and humidity; FIFA mandates cooling breaks at WBGT 32 °C. Afternoon kickoff (local time). These are long-window averages, not a match-day forecast, and they are not inputs to the forecast.
Top scorers · P(scores in this match)
- Marcus ThuramPKFW7.9%
- Kylian MbappéFW3.1%
- Bradley BarcolaFW2.5%
- Erling HaalandPKFW11.0%
- Alexander SørlothFW3.8%
- Erling Braut HaalandFW2.1%
Per-player scoring rate from Model #5 (`p_score_per_match`). Reflects each player's npxG/90, expected minutes, team xG share, and the average opposing-team defence. See /docs/methodology/.
Recent match form
Last match player ratings
France
vs Sweden · avg 7.6
Norway
vs Ivory Coast · avg 7.4
Player scores from official highlight analysis of each team's most recent match. Observational, not a model input. Methodology →
Video analysis: player performance
Per-player ratings and event breakdowns from official highlights analysis. Tap a player to see their full match timeline.
9Kylian Mbappé4'–85'Scored two goals and was a relentless attacking force, despite having other attempts denied by the woodwork or offside.
2goals4shots▼
Scored two goals and was a relentless attacking force, despite having other attempts denied by the woodwork or offside.
Match timeline
9Michael Olise33'–80'Provided an assist and was a constant creative threat with his dribbling and passing, directly contributing to two goals and creating numerous chances.
4shots4on target▼
Provided an assist and was a constant creative threat with his dribbling and passing, directly contributing to two goals and creating numerous chances.
Match timeline
8Mike Maignan15'–42'Made a vital penalty save and another key stop, maintaining France's advantage and preventing Norway from gaining momentum.
3saves▼
Made a vital penalty save and another key stop, maintaining France's advantage and preventing Norway from gaining momentum.
Match timeline
7Désiré Doué45'–45'Scored France's fourth goal, contributing to the team's dominant attacking display.
1goals▼
Scored France's fourth goal, contributing to the team's dominant attacking display.
Match timeline
6Jules Koundé26'–26'Contributed to an attack with a shot that hit the post, showing offensive intent from his position.
1shots▼
Contributed to an attack with a shot that hit the post, showing offensive intent from his position.
Match timeline
8Erling Haaland129'–129'Scored Norway's winning goal with a composed finish, securing the victory for his team.
1goals▼
Scored Norway's winning goal with a composed finish, securing the victory for his team.
Match timeline
7Thelo Aasgaard25'–25'Scored Norway's only goal, providing a brief moment of hope and demonstrating clinical finishing.
1goals▼
Scored Norway's only goal, providing a brief moment of hope and demonstrating clinical finishing.
Match timeline
7Oscar Bobb35'–42'Earned a penalty for Norway and had a shot on target, demonstrating his attacking intent and ability to create danger.
1shots1on target1fouls won▼
Earned a penalty for Norway and had a shot on target, demonstrating his attacking intent and ability to create danger.
Match timeline
7Torbjørn Heggem36'–36'Made a crucial goal-line clearance, preventing a second goal and demonstrating strong defensive awareness.
1blocks▼
Made a crucial goal-line clearance, preventing a second goal and demonstrating strong defensive awareness.
Match timeline
7Patrick BergProvided a well-weighted assist for Haaland's winning goal, directly contributing to the decisive moment of the match.
Provided a well-weighted assist for Haaland's winning goal, directly contributing to the decisive moment of the match.
6Jørgen Strand Larsen15'–15'Had a shot saved by the French goalkeeper, indicating an attempt to challenge the opposition.
1shots1on target▼
Had a shot saved by the French goalkeeper, indicating an attempt to challenge the opposition.
Match timeline
6Antonio NusaMentioned as scoring Norway's opening goal in observations, but this is contradicted by match events. No other specific actions highlighted.
1goals▼
Mentioned as scoring Norway's opening goal in observations, but this is contradicted by match events. No other specific actions highlighted.
Match timeline
5Egil Selvik44'–44'Made several crucial saves to prevent France from scoring more, despite ultimately conceding multiple goals.
1saves▼
Made several crucial saves to prevent France from scoring more, despite ultimately conceding multiple goals.
Match timeline
4Kristian Thorstvedt36'–36'Missed a crucial penalty opportunity that could have brought Norway closer and changed the game's dynamic.
1shots1on target▼
Missed a crucial penalty opportunity that could have brought Norway closer and changed the game's dynamic.
Match timeline
Match observations
- France displayed a highly effective attacking performance, particularly in the first half, with Ousmane Dembélé leading the charge.
- Norway struggled to contain France's offensive movements but showed resilience by creating their own chances and scoring once.
- The match was characterized by a high number of goal-scoring opportunities for both sides, with France converting theirs more efficiently.
▸Under the hood
Model-by-model comparison
France vs Norway
| Model | Weight | Home | Draw | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EloRating-based strength estimate | 32% | 62.8% | 22.0% | 15.2% |
| Dixon-ColesGoal-process model with low-score correction | 63% | 56.8% | 24.7% | 18.4% |
| Hierarchical PoissonBayesian model with confederation pooling | 6% | 54.8% | 24.4% | 20.9% |
| Bayesian stackingLearned-weight combination | — | 65.9% | 23.5% | 10.7% |
| Ensemble (published)Uniform average + isotonic calibration | — | 61.7% | 23.3% | 15.1% |
How each model works
- Elo
- Each team carries a single strength rating updated after every match by a margin-aware K-factor. Match probabilities come from the logistic function of the rating gap. Elo is fast-adapting but coarse — it sees only who won and by how much, not how the goals were scored.
- Dixon-Coles
- A Poisson regression on team-level attack and defence parameters, fitted via maximum likelihood with an exponential time-decay weighting. The Dixon-Coles correction adjusts the four low-score cells (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1) where independent Poisson underestimates dependence. Produces full scoreline distributions, not just H/D/A.
- Hierarchical Poisson
- A Bayesian Poisson model fitted via MCMC (PyMC) with hierarchical priors that pool attack and defence parameters within confederations. Shrinks small-sample teams toward their confederation mean — helpful for nations with few recent competitive fixtures. Slower to fit but better-calibrated on the tails.
- Bayesian stacking
- Optimises simplex weights (w_elo, w_dc, w_hp) to maximise the leave-one-out log-score across a walk-forward backtest (Yao et al. 2018). The result is a weighted average of the three component models' probabilities, then isotonic-calibrated. Adds no extra features — just learns which component to trust more from historical accuracy.
- Ensemble (published)
- Equal-weight average of all three component models, followed by per-class isotonic regression calibration fitted on 24 months of walk-forward out-of-fold predictions. This is the probability published on the site. The uniform mean is deliberately simple — it avoids overfitting to the stacking weights' training window.
Three independent component models feed two combination strategies. The uniform ensemble is the published probability; Bayesian stacking uses learned weights. Amber bars flag >5pp divergence from the published number. Full methodology
Probability decomposition (transparency surface)
- Baseline ensemble — P(France win)57.7%
- + Lineup contribution0.0pp
- + Style-matchup contribution+0.1pp
- Published P(France win)57.8%
Decomposition of the published P(France win) into the calibrated- baseline plus contributions from the §2.3 expected-XI lineup delta and the §2.7 style-matchup interaction. The §2.7 roadmap is explicit that style effects are second-order to team strength — single-digit-percentage P(win) shifts on extreme style matchups, near-zero on balanced ones. We surface the decomposition for transparency even when the contributions are small; the baseline carries the prediction. Methodology: /docs/methodology.
Head-to-head history
| Date | Competition | Venue | Score | Result | xG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 May 2014 | Friendly | HSaint-Denis | 4–0 | W | — |
| 11 Aug 2010 | Friendly | AOslo | 1–2 | L | — |
| 25 Feb 1998 | Friendly | HMarseille | 3–3 | D | — |
| 22 Jul 1995 | Friendly | AOslo | 0–0 | D | — |
| 5 Sep 1989 | FIFA World Cup qualification | AOslo | 1–1 | D | — |
| 28 Sep 1988 | FIFA World Cup qualification | HParis | 1–0 | W | — |
France vs Norway, every senior international meeting in the martj42 results dataset (score from France's perspective; H/A/N = home/away/neutral). See all 16 meetings →
Latest news & match context
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- What color jerseys are France and Spain wearing today? World Cup kit reveal · Yahoo Sports Australia · 14 Jul
- How and where to watch Spain vs. France 2026 World Cup match: TV channel, streaming options · The New York Times · 14 Jul
- Stage:
- Group I · Matchday 3
- Date:
- 26 Jun
France and Norway both come in at close to full strength, so the forecast rests on baseline team strength rather than late team-news swings.
The model's style-matchup analysis nudges the forecast −0.1pp toward a draw, versus the baseline team-strength prior.
Availability from the predicted squads and injury feed; forecast adjustments from the model's own decomposition. See /docs/methodology/.
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