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Mbappe is made for a stage like the World Cup and has already shown how comfortable he is in this environment with two goals against both Norway and Iraq.

His overall record at the World Cup is pretty incredible, he registered 10 goal contributions across six starts in the 2022 World Cup and scored four goals across six starts in the 2018 World Cup, when France won the trophy.

This takes Mbappe’s goal contribution record at the tournament to 18 goals and assists across 14 starts. His overall record for France is even more impressive with 94 goal contributions across his 100 caps (60 goals, 34 assists).

This record shows just how effective Mbappe is for his country on a stage like this and I fully expect him to continue his brilliant form against a Norway side that are yet to keep a clean sheet at the World Cup - and have only kept one shutout across their last nine international matches more widely. 

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This should be a really entertaining watch, both sides have scored 3+ goals in both of their matches at the World Cup so far, and Norway have also failed to keep a clean sheet in either of their opening fixtures against Iraq and Senegal.

France have seen 3+ goals in each of their last 11 international fixtures. Both sides have already qualified for the next round, but this is still a crucial game as it will decide who will top the group. France would finish top with a point due to their superior goal difference, while Erling Haaland’s side would need all three points to emerge as group winners.

France have the capacity to cover this line on their own, given the attacking talent in the squad. That may sound a little harsh on Norway, who have been very impressive so far, but I’m not convinced about the security of their backline, having conceded two goals against Senegal last time out and also allowing Iraq to get on the scoresheet in the opening game.

Kylian Mbappe always comes alive at the World Cup, and this tournament is no different, with the French forward matching Haaland in netting a brace in each of his two matches so far.

Mbappe has taken 12 shots across these games, seeing seven of them find the target. He’s scored two of his four goals from outside the box, so he’s not afraid to aim from distance, and this shot volume gives Mbappe a really strong chance of finding the target on at least two occasions.

Mbappe scored five goals across four starts for France during qualifying and averaged 7.39 shots per 90 and 3.06 shots on target per 90 across these four games.

Erling Haaland has performed really well at his first-ever World Cup so far, netting a brace against both Senegal and Iraq to secure Norway’s progression into the knockout phases of the competition.

This Norway side is built around providing service to the best striker in the world, and you can see this through how many shots he manages to get away for his national side. Haaland has taken 10 shots across just two starts, seeing seven of these efforts find the target.

Haaland was just as devastating for Norway during qualifying, scoring more goals than any other player (16) across just eight matches. He maintained a ridiculous average of 3.57 shots on target per 90 across those qualifying matches and is well placed to get at least two shots on target away again in this clash.

Norway have been quite aggressive in their opening few games at the World Cup, committing 13 fouls against both Iraq and Senegal.

David Moller Wolfe has committed multiple fouls in both of these games and will have a tough personal assignment against Michael Olise here.

Moller Wolfe featured sparingly for Wolves during the 25/26 campaign, committing 10 fouls across 11 starts in the Premier League (0.86 per 90).

This record rises significantly when looking at his performances for Norway during qualifying, he committed 11 fouls across eight starts (1.45 per 90) and is often caught high up the pitch as a fullback that likes to get forward.

His direct opponent, Michael Olise, has been fouled in both of his World Cup matches so far, drawing 2+ fouls from Senegal in France’s opening fixture. I think he gets the better of Moller Wolfe pretty regularly here, leading to the fullback committing at least one foul, if not more.

Adrien Rabiot’s inclusion in this ultra-talented French side always raises a few eyebrows, but he is a favourite of Didier Deschamps and provides France with a balance in the middle of the park - even if he isn’t as talented as his teammates around him.

As the player sitting just behind France’s talented attacking quartet, Rabiot’s main role is to break up play as often as possible and to shield France from any counter-attacks. This often leads to him committing fouls, which has materialised across the first few games with Rabiot committing two fouls against Iraq last time out after making one foul against Senegal in France’s opener.

Rabiot didn’t feature that often during qualifying, but did commit 35 fouls across his 28 starts in Serie A for AC Milan during the 25/26 campaign (1.24 per 90).

Kylian Mbappe always comes alive at the World Cup, and this tournament is no different, with the French forward matching Haaland in netting a brace in each of his two matches so far.

Mbappe has taken 12 shots across these games, seeing seven of them find the target. He’s scored two of his four goals from outside the box, so he’s not afraid to aim from distance, and this shot volume gives Mbappe a really strong chance of finding the target on at least two occasions.

Mbappe scored five goals across four starts for France during qualifying and averaged 7.39 shots per 90 and 3.06 shots on target per 90 across these four games.

Krepin Diatta has an average of 0.96 fouls drawn per 90 in his last 12 starts for Senegal, and he has landed this selection in eight of those games.

The full back has an excellent opportunity to increase that hit-rate against Iraq here, as he looks set to come up against Ibrahim Bayesh out wide. The 26-year-old had an average of 1.87 fouls per 90 at club level this campaign.

Diatta also likely faces up against Merchas Doski, who averages 1.88 fouls per 90 for Viktoria Plzen - he is the left back for Iraq, so he should have no issue finding duels with Diatta.

It was always going to be a tough ask for New Zealand to make it out of a competitive Group G, but they deserve immense credit as they have shown real spirit.

New Zealand have scored in both of their World Cup matches so far, even taking a point from Iran in round one with a 2-2 draw. 

This upcoming clash against Belgium will be their toughest challenge yet, especially as Rudi Garcia’s men are still yet to win, so they will have to be front-footed from the off.

Keeping the Red Devils at bay will be a serious challenge, but New Zealand might fancy their chances of contributing to the scoresheet here.

Youri Tielemans had two shots against Iran last time out, meaning he has now landed this selection in ten of his last 11 starts for Belgium.

He started alongside Nicolas Raskin last time out, who is a lot more defensive-minded, allowing Tielemans more attacking freedom to get into advanced areas. 

Rudi Garcia has given Tielemans a massive responsibility in the final third, looking to get him as close to goal as possible to utilise his ball-striking ability.

Tielemans strikes the ball cleanly, and he is averaging 2.34 shots per 90 since the start of the World Cup qualifiers, which is one of the highest figures in the Belgium squad.

This is a battle to top the group, and I think France have enough attacking quality to edge what should be an entertaining contest, mainly for the battle between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

I think Haaland can get on the scoresheet here, Norway’s game plan is centred around getting the most out of the goal machine, and he’s scored twice in each of his first two matches against Senegal and Iraq.

I do think France's attacking quality will eventually take this game away from Norway. They are an organised side, but their backline looks quite vulnerable - which is something that Senegal were able to exploit last time out, getting on the scoresheet twice in a 3-2 defeat to the Norwegians.

France have won both of their group games pretty comfortably so far, and should feel encouraged by Norway’s failure to keep a clean sheet across their opening two matches of the tournament.

This is a must-win for Senegal, and they may have to win comfortably to progress as one of the best 3rd-placed sides from the group phase after losing their opening two matches against Norway and France.

Senegal have not played that poorly in either game. There are a few issues going on behind the scenes with the contract situation of the coach that appears to be affecting their on field performances, but they are certainly capable of beating Iraq, and I think Sadio Mane will kick off his campaign here.

Iraq have lost both of their matches against Norway and France so far, conceding at least three goals in both matches. Sadio Mane was Senegal’s top scorer during qualifying with five goals, and I expect him to step up and give his nation a decent chance of progressing through to the Round of 32.

After getting on the scoresheet against Cape Verde last time out, Agustin Canobbio looks set to start on the right wing again - it’s a massive game for Uruguay as they have drawn both games so far, and they cannot afford to lose here against Spain. The South American side should be fired up and aggressive from the start.

Canobbio has an average of 1.91 fouls per 90 playing for Fluminense this season, which shows how he looks to press intensely from the front, and often drop deeper to help out his full back. The 27-year-old has been carded six times in his 26 appearances across all competitions at club level. In addition to his goal against Cape Verde, Canobbio racked up four fouls and was lucky not to be booked. He managed eight fouls in two of Uruguay’s friendly matches prior to the World Cup, earning a booking in one of those.

There is very little to split the teams in Group G as we head into the final group stage fixture, as Belgium have drawn both matches so far. Egypt and Iran rank in the top two spots, so the winner of this game could top the group. With the stakes as high as they are, cards are a market to target. 

Shoja Khalilzadeh is the centre back for Iran, and he has shown a willingness to fly into challenges. The 37-year-old was booked seven times in 18 appearances for his domestic club this season, and he was also booked in three out of six friendlies for Iran building up to the World Cup. 

He will have to deal with the likes of Omar Marmoush and Mo Salah here, which promises to be a massive step up from the calibre of opponent he is used to facing. 

It was always going to be a tough ask for New Zealand to make it out of a competitive Group G, but they deserve immense credit as they have shown real spirit.

New Zealand have scored in both of their World Cup matches so far, even taking a point from Iran in round one with a 2-2 draw. 

This upcoming clash against Belgium will be their toughest challenge yet, especially as Rudi Garcia’s men are still yet to win, so they will have to be front-footed from the off.

Keeping the Red Devils at bay will be a serious challenge, but New Zealand might fancy their chances of contributing to the scoresheet here.

Belgium will be boosted by the return of Jeremy Doku, who missed the Iran game to attend the birth of his child.

His presence in the starting eleven massively increases Belgium’s threat from wide areas, and this looks like an enticing matchup for him.

Doku’s ability to beat his man and get to the byline is one of the main reasons why Belgium recorded the impressive average of 10.4 corners per game during their World Cup qualifying matches. They even managed to hit double figures in six out of eight games. 

Although they haven’t been as effective when it comes to generating corners at the World Cup so far, they will have to push for the three points here, and this is their easiest matchup of the group stages. 

No player has taken more shots for Belgium than Kevin De Bruyne at this World Cup - he had four efforts against Egypt in round one and five against Iran last time out.

The 34-year-old failed to score in either of those games, but he did at least hit the target against both Iran and Egypt to land this selection. 

De Bruyne is still one of Belgium’s biggest threats in the final third, and he will also be on free-kick duties. In fact, he struck the post from a set-piece against Egypt in round one.

There should be plenty of chances for him in the final third against New Zealand here. 

Youri Tielemans had two shots against Iran last time out, meaning he has now landed this selection in ten of his last 11 starts for Belgium.

He started alongside Nicolas Raskin last time out, who is a lot more defensive-minded, allowing Tielemans more attacking freedom to get into advanced areas. 

Rudi Garcia has given Tielemans a massive responsibility in the final third, looking to get him as close to goal as possible to utilise his ball-striking ability.

Tielemans strikes the ball cleanly, and he is averaging 2.34 shots per 90 since the start of the World Cup qualifiers, which is one of the highest figures in the Belgium squad.

The return of Doku spells serious trouble for Tim Payne, who is expected to start at right back for New Zealand, putting him directly up against the Man City winger.

Doku was fouled five times against Egypt in round one, the most of any Belgium player in that game, and he had an average of 3.35 per 90 during the qualifiers. 

He also drew the fourth-most fouls of any player in the Premier League this season, averaging 2.92 fouls drawn per 90.

Payne recorded one foul against both Iran and Egypt, respectively, and this will be by far his toughest individual matchup. 

Senegal have to win here, or they will face an embarrassing early exit from the tournament, given the success they had earlier in the year at AFCON and their general development on the international stage over the last few tournaments.

Senegal are far better than their results so far would suggest; they lost control of the game against Norway and probably should have at least gotten a point from the game when looking at the underlying numbers. They were outclassed by France, but this is a game they really should win and score at least twice in.

Iraq have conceded at least 3+ goals in both of their World Cup matches so far, allowing Norway to put four goals past them in the opener. They don’t have anything to lose here, so I don’t expect a completely passive approach, which should lead to gaps that Senegal can exploit with the quality they have in the final third.

Senegal netted twice against Norway last time out and scored 22 goals across their 10 qualifying matches (2.2 per game).

This angle links to the potential frustration that could engulf the Senegalese side at times, with the pressure that is on them to win the game.

We haven’t seen that many high card counts at the World Cup so far, but I’m still happy to take this low line for the instances where Senegal have to commit tactical fouls to stop Iraq breaking forward quickly.

The referee for this game is Anthony Taylor, who has officiated one game at the World Cup so far, handing out one card to each nation on that occasion. He averaged 2.75 cards per game across his four appearances during World Cup qualifying.

Ismaila Sarr has been Senegal’s best player so far and scored both of their goals against Norway last time out as the African side lost 3-2, making this a must-win game.

Sarr had six shots overall in that game, seeing three attempts find the target. He's playing with quite a lot of confidence in front of goal, which stems from a successful season with Crystal Palace in which he scored 21 goals across all competitions - his best tally in professional football.

Sarr had more touches in the opposition box than any other Senegalese player against Norway (10), and also managed three shots against France. This selection would have landed via Super Sub on that occasion as Ibrahim Mbaye came on from the bench to score.

I do think Iraq will be able to carry an attacking threat here, as they did against Norway with 11 shots in total. Iraq scored their first-ever goal at a World Cup in that game and can definitely cause problems for a Senegal backline that has conceded 3+ goals in both of their matches so far.

Senegal are under a lot of pressure here as only a win would give them a chance of progressing to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed sides. I can see them getting frustrated at times, which should open up opportunities for Iraq to find Al Hamadi, who hasn’t been afraid to let fly with six shots across his two games so far.

He scored two goals across just 194 minutes of action during qualifying from three shots on target (1.39 per 90). Iraq will know that they too have an outside chance of progressing with all three points, though their -6 goal difference is likely to be a barrier even if they get the win here.

This selection has landed in both of Iraq’s matches so far at the World Cup, with Doski proving to be an adventurous fullback who enjoys a physical battle and will get that against Ismaila Sarr and Krepin Diatta down his side of the pitch.

Doski was fouled four times in Iraq’s opener against Norway; his ability to win fouls isn’t just restricted to the World Cup, either - he plays his club football for Viktoria Plzen and won 55 fouls across just 22 starts during the 25/26 domestic campaign (2.43 per 90), confirming that winning fouls is a consistent and strong part of his game.

France have opened the scoring in both of their World Cup matches so far and have scored first in each of their last six international matches more widely.

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France scored in the first half against Iraq last time out and have scored 3+ goals in both of their matches so far.

Norway have failed to keep a clean sheet across their two games so far, conceding in the first half against Iraq in their opening game.

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Mbappe has found the target in both of his World Cup matches so far, scoring twice in both of these games.

Olise has had at least two shots in both of his games at the World Cup so far, finding the target twice against Senegal in France's opening game. He was very unlucky not to find the target against Iraq, hitting the bar with one of his three efforts.

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Kylian Mbappe always comes alive at the World Cup, and this tournament is no different, with the French forward matching Haaland in netting a brace in each of his two matches so far.

Mbappe has taken 12 shots across these games, seeing seven of them find the target. He’s scored two of his four goals from outside the box, so he’s not afraid to aim from distance, and this shot volume gives Mbappe a really strong chance of finding the target on at least two occasions.

Mbappe scored five goals across four starts for France during qualifying and averaged 7.39 shots per 90 and 3.06 shots on target per 90 across these four games.

Erling Haaland has performed really well at his first-ever World Cup so far, netting a brace against both Senegal and Iraq to secure Norway’s progression into the knockout phases of the competition.

This Norway side is built around providing service to the best striker in the world, and you can see this through how many shots he manages to get away for his national side. Haaland has taken 10 shots across just two starts, seeing seven of these efforts find the target.

Haaland was just as devastating for Norway during qualifying, scoring more goals than any other player (16) across just eight matches. He maintained a ridiculous average of 3.57 shots on target per 90 across those qualifying matches and is well placed to get at least two shots on target away again in this clash.

Erling Haaland has performed really well at his first-ever World Cup so far, netting a brace against both Senegal and Iraq to secure Norway’s progression into the knockout phases of the competition.

This Norway side is built around providing service to the best striker in the world, and you can see this through how many shots he manages to get away for his national side. Haaland has taken 10 shots across just two starts, seeing seven of these efforts find the target.

Haaland was just as devastating for Norway during qualifying, scoring more goals than any other player (16) across just eight matches. He maintained a ridiculous average of 3.57 shots on target per 90 across those qualifying matches and is well placed to get at least two shots on target away again in this clash.

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Norway have seen 4+ goals in each of their opening two World Cup games, and I think we’re in for another exciting clash here between the two best sides in this group.

There’s still top spot in the group up for grabs, which would be the difference between facing the Ivory Coast or one of the best third-placed sides in the Round of 32.

France have only kept one clean sheet across their last seven international matches, which is a record to suggest that Norway can find a way to get on the scoresheet in this clash - especially as they have Erling Haaland within their ranks, who has scored twice in both of his World Cup matches so far.

Erling Haaland has a ridiculous record at international level, which is superior to any other player at the tournament if you go by goal-to-game ratio. Making him the best goalscorer at the World Cup, and I think he’ll get enough chances to get on the scoresheet again in this clash.

France’s clean sheet against Iraq last time out was the first shutout that they’ve kept across their last seven international matches. I concede that not all of these games were competitive, so France may have been a bit more relaxed than they are at a World Cup - but Norway still have enough quality in forward areas to generate chances.

Haaland scored 16 goals across eight matches during qualifying and has scored 59 goals across his 52 caps, which is an immense standard to maintain at international level. His goals against Senegal and Iraq show that he’s not stat padding either; he can perform at the very highest level for his country, and I think he can have success in front of goal again here.

Michael Olise has registered the joint-most assists of any player at the World Cup (3), setting up two of France’s three goals against Iraq last time out. He created 22 chances during qualifying (4.64 per game) and is a massive creative asset to this French side.

Didier Deschamps is a really intriguing manager and has tweaked Olise’s role slightly from his instructions at Bayern Munich. Deschamps wants Olise to come inside earlier and more often, whereas he’ll often hug the touchline and look to cut in close to goal when playing for Bayern Munich.

He’s deploying Olise in this way for balance. Every player in France’s front four could easily be a superstar, but that would negatively affect the overall balance and performance of the side, so using Olise in this way allows France to be effective with all their talent in the final third.

Olise has already created seven chances across his two matches. Importantly, he has a frontline that can put away these chances with Olise likely to set up one of Mbappe, Dembele, or Barcola for a goal in the fixture.

I really like Antonio Nusa; he hasn’t quite had the chance to show his best level yet, but I think this could be an ideal game for him to shine, as France’s main weakness lies in the fullback areas.

France are obviously a very complete side, but Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez/Lucas Digne are the players I would be looking to target if I were an opposition manager. France like pushing their fullbacks forward to support the attack, so there is often space for speedy wingers like Nusa to exploit.

Nusa had two shots against Senegal last time out and impressed for Norway during qualifying, registering five goal contributions across six starts and getting 21 shots away (3.96 per 90). His shot accuracy does need some work; only four of these efforts found the target, but if he improves that side of his game, he will be a real threat to any side.

Montezin has finished in the top four in 83% of their six lifetime races.

He recorded his first and only win at Newcastle in November 2025 with a second-place finish there the previous month. In terms of ground, it looks to be Standard today, which suits Montezin well based on previous outings.

Both his trainer and jockey, Antony Brittain and Cam Hardie, respectively, have 9% strike rates this season and have built a partnership together over the course of their careers.

This race is a Class 4 handicap, which is a step up from where he found his most successful races; however, he has proven at this level despite not managing to seal the deal.

Sky Safari has finished in the top two in 75% of their 12 lifetime races.

She has not yet raced at Newcastle; however, her form on Standard and Standard/Slow surfaces is near flawless, with 6 wins and 1 place from her 7 races on those conditions.

Both her trainer and jockey, James Fanshawe and Daniel Muscutt, are well acquainted with one another and boast season strike-rates of around 14% each, with Fanshawe's recent form marking a 26% strike rate over the last fortnight.

She is proven at Class 1 with two wins from her last three at this level, the most recent bout seeing her finish 8/9, which could be explained by the Good/Soft ground conditions.

Fidelius has finished in the top four in 65% of their 29 lifetime races.

He recently won at Newcastle in a Class 4 meeting, which was raced on Standard ground, as will be the case at today's race.

Trainer Dylan Cunha has managed 5 wins from 53 in the last month, giving him a solid 9.4% strike-rate. However, Kevin Scott, today's jockey, has only managed a mere 6% season strike-rate, although with only 17 races, the sample size is too small to comment on.

Today's Class 2 race is a step up for Fidelius, who has had most of his success between Class 4 and 3, with a 2nd place finish in his last Class 2 outing.

Maldevious has finished in the top four in 58% of their 12 lifetime races.

She has had no real success yet at Newcastle, with a 4th and 7th place finish in her last two visits.

Today's Standard to Slow ground should suit her well, with two wins from three in similar conditions.

Trainer Brian Ellison has a season strike-rate of 11% with 42 wins from 380; a very solid return. Although Ben Robinson, today's jockey, has a mere 5% strike-rate, which poses the main threat to this leg.

Today's Class 5 race should be well within Maldevious' range, but doubts still exist over her inability to win.

A five-year-old full of promise, LOCH CUAN (8.7) impressed last time out over course and distance, and given today’s contest isn’t the strongest on paper, he holds leading claims to follow up on last month’s win. 

Having raced three times over hurdles, Loch Cuan has recorded results of 2,2,1, and given his sole victory came in the hands of Sean Bowen (retained), the duo look a solid bet to land back-to-back wins.

Getting off the mark last month on good ground, conditions are perfect for the five-year-old on his return, and considering how well he applied himself last time out, he holds the obvious claims today. 

Winning going away last time out and winning by an easy three lengths, he is handed a 7lb penalty on his return to Cartmel today, but given the calibre of competition and lack of depth, this rise shouldn’t cause him any issues.

Very much the form pick of today’s contest, DIAMOND RAIN (9.0) is looking to retain this race for the second year in a row, and although she has only had one start this season, she took a similar journey last year. 

Although winless in her next three appearances after winning this last year, Diamond Rain has been running in tougher contests, featuring in two Grade 1 affairs in America, where she finished second and third before returning to the UK last month. 

Racing in a Group 2 at York on her return from a six-month absence, Diamond Rain likely needed the run, but considering she finished a close third, further improvement is likely from the five-year-old with this race under her belt.

Stepping back into Group 3 territory, she has already proven herself in this race and given that she looks destined for greater things, this should be the step in the right direction to get her back on track.