NEW YORK, June 24 (Reuters) - France ⁠can secure a more comfortable route through the World Cup when they face Norway in their final ⁠Group I match on Friday, though finishing top could leave them facing one of the toughest roads ‌to the trophy.

Assured of a place in the round of 32 after victories over Senegal and Iraq, France need only a draw to finish first thanks to their superior goal difference. While the sporting benefits of topping the group are debatable, doing so would allow the 2018 champions ​to remain in Northeastern United States until the quarter-finals rather than embark ⁠on a cross-country journey through Dallas, Miami and ⁠Atlanta.

France are nevertheless expected to make changes. Didier Deschamps, who returned home following the death of his mother, used ⁠all ‌five substitutions during Monday's 3-0 win over Iraq, a sign that squad management may take precedence with qualification already secured. Longtime assistant coach Guy Stephan will oversee the team from the touchline in Boston.

The equation facing France ⁠is an unusual one.

Finishing first would likely avoid an early collision with ​the likes of Brazil, England and ‌Portugal while reducing travel, but it could place them on a path that could include Germany in ⁠the round of 16 ​and European champions Spain in the semi-finals.