This is a classic clash of styles: Norway’s direct, high-energy attacking play against France’s balance, depth, and big-game experience. France are widely seen as one of the World Cup favourites, while Norway have impressed by scoring freely and showing they can compete with elite opposition.

The stakes are clear. A France win or draw would likely keep them at the top of Group I, while a Norway victory would flip the standings and potentially change the bracket for the next round.

Haaland vs Mbappe

The headline duel is Erling Haaland against Kylian Mbappe, two of the most dangerous forwards in world football. Their individual quality gives this match genuine star power, but both teams also have enough support around them to make it a full-team contest rather than a one-man show.

Norway have relied on sharp transitions, strong movement, and efficient finishing to get results. France, meanwhile, have combined control in midfield with pace in attack and the kind of depth that can change a game even late on.

Tactical Preview

France will likely look to keep the ball, stretch Norway’s shape, and create chances through wide play and quick combinations in the final third. Their ability to manage pressure and remain compact without the ball gives them a strong platform in matches like this.

Norway’s best route is to stay disciplined, win key duels, and attack quickly when France lose shape. If they can turn transitions into chances and stay clinical in front of goal, they have a real chance to shock the favourites.

Portugal opened their World Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo. Roberto Martínez's side made a dream start when João Neves scored within the opening six minutes, but they failed to build on their advantage and conceded an equalizer in the second half. The result left Portugal with one point from their opening match and plenty of work still to do in a competitive group.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, suffered a 3-1 defeat against Colombia in their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. Despite falling behind early, the Central Asian side showed resilience and determination, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev scoring an equalizing goal after the break. However, Colombia's superior quality eventually told as they scored twice more to secure all three points.

Portugal will once again rely on the experience and leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to play a key role for the national team. The Portuguese squad also boasts a wealth of attacking talent, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, and João Neves. Their ability to dominate possession and create chances makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.

Uzbekistan may be considered underdogs, but they have shown significant progress in recent years. Captain Eldor Shomurodov and midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev will be expected to lead the team's attacking efforts. Uzbekistan's best chance of success may come through disciplined defending and quick counterattacks against Portugal's high defensive line.

The statistics heavily favor Portugal. Over their last 40 matches in all competitions, they have won 26 games while averaging more than two goals per match. Their strong possession-based style and attacking depth have made them one of Europe's most consistent teams. Uzbekistan also have an impressive recent record, having won 18 of their previous 30 matches, but they face a much tougher challenge against one of the world's elite football nations.

Source: Footballscore.news

The match was only 23 minutes old when Matheus Cunha opened the scoring for the Seleção. The forward found space inside the penalty area and finished clinically to give Brazil an early lead. Just 13 minutes later, in the 36th minute, Cunha struck again this time with another composed finish from close range doubling the advantage and putting Haiti on the back foot.

“Matheus was exceptional tonight,” said Brazil’s head coach after the match. “His movement off the ball, his finishing everything was at the highest level. He’s proving why he belongs at this World Cup.”

Vinícius Júnior Caps Off First-Half Dominance

With the clock ticking toward halftime, Brazil added a third goal through Vinícius Júnior in the 45+3rd minute. The Real Madrid star received an assist and made no mistake from inside the area, sending Brazil into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead. The timing of the goal was particularly cruel for Haiti, who had managed to keep the scoreline somewhat respectable until that moment.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, the possession statistics were surprisingly even. Brazil controlled 49% of possession compared to Haiti’s 43%, with 8% of the ball being contested. This suggests Haiti were competitive in midfield but ultimately lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

Brazil’s efficiency in front of goal proved decisive, with three goals from just four shots on target a clinical 75% conversion rate that Haiti simply couldn’t match.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil arrived in Philadelphia with their feathers slightly ruffled. The Seleção’s opening match against Morocco ended in a 1-1 draw a result that felt more like a defeat for a nation that expects nothing less than domination. Brazil managed only a single big chance throughout the 90 minutes, struggled to break down a disciplined Moroccan defense, and looked far from the free-flowing attacking machine fans have come to expect.

The absence of Neymar, ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury, has left a creative void that Ancelotti is still trying to fill. Igor Thiago started up front but underwhelmed, while the midfield pairing of Fabinho and Bruno Guimarães failed to provide the necessary spark. The pressure is now firmly on the five-time champions to respond.

Haiti’s Historic Debut

For Haiti, even being in the United States for this tournament is a victory in itself. The Caribbean nation, ranked 84th in the world, is making only its second World Cup appearance—and its first since 1974. That 52-year wait ended with a momentous qualification campaign that captured the hearts of a football-starved nation.

Their opening match against Scotland was a narrow 0-1 defeat, but the performance was far from embarrassing. Haiti edged possession against their European opponents and matched them in expected goals (xG). Manager Sébastien Migné’s side showed defensive organization, resilience, and the ability to compete at this level. Now, they face the ultimate test.

Kane Breaks the Deadlock from the Spot

The match exploded into life in the 12th minute when England were awarded a penalty following a foul inside the Croatian box. Up stepped captain Harry Kane, as reliable as ever, who coolly dispatched the spot-kick into the bottom corner. The striker’s 12th-minute opener seemed to settle English nerves and suggested a routine victory was on the cards.

However, Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists and 2023 Nations League finalists, have built their reputation on resilience and refused to buckle under English pressure.

Baturina Stuns with Spectacular Equalizer

Against the run of play, Croatia struck back in stunning fashion. In the 36th minute, Martin Baturina picked up the ball outside the English penalty area and unleashed a ferocious strike that left Jordan Pickford with no chance. The goal, coming from outside the box, highlighted Croatia’s threat on the counter and served as a stark reminder that England’s defense remained vulnerable.

The strike also exposed one of the statistical oddities of the match Croatia registered 6 attempts from outside the penalty area compared to England’s 2, and Baturina’s goal was a testament to their willingness to test from distance. (Source: footballscore.news)

Just six minutes later, England restored their advantage. Harry Kane, in imperious form, found space inside the Croatian penalty area to slot home his second of the night. The strike, assisted by England’s creative midfield, appeared to have given the Three Lions momentum heading into the break.

But Croatia had other ideas. Deep into first-half stoppage time – the 45th minute plus 5 – Petar Musa converted from close range inside the penalty area to make it 2-2. Once again, England’s defense had been caught napping, and the sides went into the tunnel deadlocked at 1-1 at halftime, despite England’s overwhelming attacking statistics.

Second-Half Dominance

The second half belonged entirely to England. Just two minutes after the restart, Jude Bellingham announced himself on the world stage. The Real Madrid midfielder, who has become the heartbeat of this English side, produced a moment of magic inside the Croatian box to put England ahead for the third time. His goal, coming in the 47th minute, proved to be the turning point that Croatia could not recover from.

Bellingham’s goal opened the floodgates, and England, now playing with supreme confidence, began to carve open the Croatian defense with alarming regularity. The statistics speak for themselves – England registered a staggering 20 attempts inside the penalty area, their relentless pressure finally wearing down the resilient Croatian rearguard.

Rashford Seals the Deal

The final blow came in the 85th minute. Substitute Marcus Rashford, introduced to provide fresh legs and attacking impetus, capitalized on tiring Croatian legs to score England’s fourth. The goal, coming from inside the penalty area, was assisted and showcased the depth of attacking talent at Gareth Southgate’s disposal.

FIFA World Cup 2026 All Matches Highlights is here.