The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage continues with three exciting matchups as Ivory Coast battles Norway, France takes on Sweden, and host nation Mexico faces Ecuador. Teams will look to extend their campaigns as the tournament enters the high-pressure rounds.
Ivory Coast vs Norway
1:00 AM (PHT)
Ivory Coast enters its clash against Norway after making history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time. The Elephants finished second in Group E behind Germany, collecting two wins and one defeat. They opened with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, suffered a 2-1 loss to Germany, and closed the group stage with a 2-0 win over Curacao.
Norway, meanwhile, advanced after a strong group campaign that saw them collect six points and reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 1998. The Norwegians recorded wins over Iraq and Senegal before falling to France in their final group match.
Erling Haaland has been Norway’s biggest attacking threat, scoring four goals in two matches and providing the finishing power that makes them dangerous in the final third.
Key player to watch:
Erling Haaland (Norway)
France vs Sweden
5:00 AM (PHT)
France heads into the matchup as one of the tournament’s strongest teams after a perfect group-stage run. Les Bleus won all three matches and showed their attacking quality while controlling games against their opponents.
Sweden reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-place teams after a mixed group campaign. The Swedes started with a dominant 5-1 win over Tunisia, suffered a 5-1 defeat against the Netherlands, and secured qualification with a 1-1 draw against Japan.
Kylian Mbappe remains France’s main attacking weapon, leading a forward line that has helped Les Bleus become one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides.
Key player to watch:
Kylian Mbappe (France)
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Today’s kick-off times are here
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— FIFA World Cup 2026 (@FIFAWC26Updates) June 30, 2026
Mexico vs Ecuador
9:00 AM
Mexico returns to action against Ecuador in a matchup featuring two teams looking to continue their World Cup journey. The hosts will rely on home support as they face an Ecuador side that battled through a difficult group stage.
Ecuador struggled early in the tournament but recovered with a crucial win over Germany to secure a place in the knockout round. The South American side previously lost to Ivory Coast and drew with Curaçao before producing a strong finish.
Mexico enters the match aiming to take advantage of its experience and momentum as a host nation, while Ecuador hopes its defensive discipline and young core can push them deeper into the tournament.
The Chelsea midfielder, Moises Caicedo has become Ecuador’s leader in midfield and was recently named captain, giving La Tri a key figure in both attack and defense.
Key player to watch:
Moisés Caicedo (Ecuador)
With the tournament reaching its crucial stages, every match carries bigger stakes as teams fight to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Ivory Coast, France, Sweden, Mexico, and Ecuador will all look to rely on their key players and recent form as they chase a place deeper into the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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