France coach Didier Deschamps says he’s excited to see Kylian Mbappé go head-to-head with Erling Haaland after France were drawn in the same 2026 World Cup group as Norway.
Speaking in Washington, Deschamps called the matchup “a great duel,” noting that both teams have strong squads but Mbappé and Haaland are global stars who could battle for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Mbappé has scored 30 goals in 24 games for Real Madrid and France this season, while Haaland has hit 33 in 24 matches for Manchester City and Norway. Haaland’s goals helped Norway qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.
France, beaten on penalties by Argentina in the 2022 final, will be aiming for their third World Cup title. Group I also includes Senegal—who famously beat France in their 2002 opener—and will be completed by the winner of a playoff between Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname.
Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament, said France must remain humble and focused: “Before thinking about the top of the mountain, we have to take the first steps—and they are always the hardest.”
