Norway striker Erling Haaland believes France are the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Haaland made the prediction after helping Norway secure a 3-2 victory over Senegal on Tuesday. The Manchester City forward scored two goals in the match as Norway booked a place in the Round of 32.
Norway will now face France in their final Group I match.
Speaking after the win over Senegal, Haaland said his team had already achieved something special by reaching the knockout stage and was not overly concerned about the upcoming game against France.
“We managed to get through, which is incredible, so I couldn’t care too much about that game now,” Haaland said.
He added that France are one of the strongest teams in the competition and backed them to go all the way.
“They’re probably going to win against us, and they’re probably going to win the whole tournament,” he said.
Norway and France are currently tied on six points each in Group I, setting up an exciting clash between the two sides in their next match.