Deschamps excited by Mbappe and Haaland clash at the World Cup

Didier Deschamps is looking forward to a showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland at the 2026 World Cup after France were drawn in the same group as Norway.

Friday’s draw saw France placed in Group I alongside Senegal, with one of Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname joining them following the intercontinental play-offs that take place in March.

But the main talking point of that group is the battle between Mbappe and Haaland, with the pair enjoying fast starts to 2025-26 with Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Indeed, across Europe’s top five leagues in all competitions this season, Mbappe is the joint-top scorer alongside Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (25), with Haaland five adrift.

During the UEFA section of qualifying, though, Haaland led the way with 16 goals in eight appearances for Norway, who also finished as the top scorers (37 goals in total).

Mbappe also shone with five goals and three assists across four outings, and Deschamps is relishing their group clash with Norway on June 26.

“It will be a great duel,” Deschamps told reporters. “Both teams have lots of other big names, but, of course, Kylian and Haaland are two players recognised around the world.

“They will be two of the contenders to be the top scorer.”