Image source, Getty Images
As France and Norway face off on Friday at Boston Arena, much of the focus will be on two of world football’s most prominent frontline stars, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
Thanks to the exceptional attacking prowess of these two star strikers, both nations have already won their two group stage matches.
Mbappé and Haaland have scored two goals each in their respective two matches, totaling four goals in the tournament so far. Only Argentina’s Lionel Messi, with five goals, leads the ‘Golden Boot’ race ahead of them.
Both France and Norway have advanced to the knockout stage and are the frontrunners to top Group ‘I’. This upcoming match will decide the group winner.
Experts have analyzed how this scenario, which adds excitement to the World Cup, highlights the crucial importance of both players to their teams.
How important are they?
Both are key players for their clubs. Mbappé and Haaland’s importance increases even more on the international stage.
Since August 2022, France has won 69.8% of matches when Mbappé is in the team. However, that win rate falls to 50% when he is absent.
Mbappé is France’s top scorer and a player who adds significant attacking threat. During this period, the French team averages 2.3 goals per game, while without Mbappé that average drops to 1.9 goals per game.
In Norway’s case, there is no doubt Haaland has become indispensable.
Since August 2022, Norway has won 64.5% of matches with Haaland on the team, but that figure drops to just 33.3% when he is not playing.
Both players remain remarkably calm and focused even under the pressure of major tournaments.
Everyone’s eyes are on Messi, but it is almost certain Mbappé will surpass him as the highest scorer in World Cup history.
At 39, Messi has scored 16 goals in 16 World Cup matches, while Mbappé is 12 years younger.
Although Messi’s participation in the next World Cup is not completely ruled out, it will likely be his last tournament.
Haaland is playing in his first World Cup and has been leading his team effortlessly toward victory.
He became the sixth player in World Cup history to score more than one goal in his first two matches and only the second player to achieve this milestone in the past 50 years. England’s Harry Kane accomplished this in 2018.
Haaland is currently in outstanding form, having scored in 12 consecutive international competitive matches and netted 16 goals in his last six appearances.
Internationally, Haaland is an even more prolific scorer. Mbappé has scored 60 goals in 100 matches, whereas Haaland has netted 59 goals in just 48 international games.
How do their games compare?
Image source, Opta
Image source, Opta
The ‘heat maps,’ which indicate players’ positions during matches, reveal interesting facets about both players.
In club attacking metrics, Mbappé outperforms Haaland in shots, touches, and chance creation. However, Manchester City striker Haaland has provided more passes in the 2025-26 season.
Their dribbling attempts also differ significantly; Mbappé has attempted 14 dribbles in this World Cup, while Haaland has only attempted one.
However, in terms of scoring efficiency, Haaland is ahead. Across four club league seasons, 23.43% of Haaland’s shots have resulted in goals versus Mbappé’s 18.24% conversion rate.
This season, Mbappé has narrowed this difference somewhat.
In defensive contributions, Mbappé lags behind Haaland. Among the 1,483 players who have played at least 900 minutes in the world’s top five leagues, Mbappé ranked 1,481st.
How far can Haaland take Norway?
Image source, Getty Images
Their comparative importance is also evident in their involvement in recent international goals.
Since August 2022, Mbappé has been involved in 44% of France’s goals. He has directly contributed to 33 goals and assisted 17. Over the same period, Haaland has contributed to 39 goals and provided four assists, representing 43.9% of Norway’s goals.
This time, France has set even more ambitious goals and is considered a strong favorite. Haaland has expressed his belief that Norway can defeat France on Friday and ultimately win the World Cup.
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