The FIFA World Cup knockout stage continues with another mouthwatering double-header tonight as Ivory Coast face Norway, before France take on Sweden in the Round of 32.
There is no second chance from this point onwards. The winners book their place in the Round of 16, while the losers pack their bags and head home. The tournament has already produced major shocks, with Germany among the big names eliminated before reaching this stage.
IVORY COAST AIM TO STOP ERLING HAALAND
The first match kicks off at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where Ivory Coast make history by playing their first-ever knockout match.
The Elephants arrive full of confidence after an impressive group-stage campaign. Teenage winger Yan Diomandé has emerged as one of the tournament’s brightest young stars, while experienced forward Nicolas Pépé adds valuable leadership in attack.
Standing in their way is a dangerous Norway side inspired by Erling Haaland. The prolific striker missed his country’s final group match against France to stay fresh for the knockout rounds. That decision could pay off, with Haaland already scoring four goals in just two appearances.
Ivory Coast will rely on defender Ousmane Diomande to marshal the backline as they try to contain one of world football’s deadliest finishers.
FRANCE FACE DANGEROUS SWEDEN TEST
Later tonight, attention shifts to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where tournament favourites France meet a confident Sweden side.
Coached by Didier Deschamps, Les Bleus cruised through the group stage with a perfect nine points. They have looked among the strongest teams in the competition, with captain Kylian Mbappé once again leading the attack. The superstar forward continues his pursuit of the tournament’s all-time scoring record.
However, France cannot afford to underestimate Sweden. Coach Graham Potter has built a disciplined side capable of hurting any opponent, with strikers Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak forming one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking partnerships.
With places in the Round of 16 on the line, both matches promise drama, quality and the kind of knockout football that has already made the 2026 FIFA World Cup unforgettable.
