World Cup 2026 round-up: Haaland, Mbappe and Olise fire Norway and France into last 16
Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé once again delivered when it mattered most as Norway and France booked their places in the FIFA World Cup last 16 with victories on Tuesday.
Haaland scored a dramatic late winner to send Norway past Ivory Coast, while Mbappé struck twice.
Michael Olise orchestrated another dominant French display in a convincing win over Sweden as two of the tournament favourites moved a step closer to World Cup glory.
Haaland sends Norway into the last 16
Norway reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after edging Ivory Coast 2-1 in Dallas.
Antonio Nusa gave the Scandinavians a first-half lead before substitute Amad Diallo brought Ivory Coast level after the break, setting up a tense finish.
As he has done so often throughout the tournament, Haaland produced the decisive moment.
The Manchester City striker found the net in the 86th minute to seal Norway's historic first World Cup knockout victory and book a blockbuster last-16 meeting with Brazil.
The goal continued an extraordinary run for the 25-year-old.
Haaland became only the third player in World Cup history to score in each of his first three tournament appearances, while also reaching 60 international goals faster than any player before him.
His latest strike also extended his remarkable scoring streak to 13 consecutive competitive internationals for Norway, during which he has scored 25 goals.
With Brazil awaiting next, Norway will once again look to their prolific forward to deliver on football's biggest stage.
Mbappé closes in as France cruise past Sweden
France, meanwhile, produced another statement performance by comfortably defeating Sweden 3-0 at MetLife Stadium.
Mbappé opened the scoring just before half-time before Bradley Barcola doubled France's advantage early in the second half following excellent work from Michael Olise.
Mbappé then completed his brace after the interval to send Didier Deschamps' side safely into the last 16, where Paraguay now await.
The France captain also continued rewriting the record books.
His latest brace saw him become the highest-scoring player in World Cup knockout-stage history with nine goals, while also moving within touching distance of Lionel Messi in this summer's Golden Boot race.
Mbappe: ‘The team knows what to do’
Despite another standout individual display, Mbappé was quick to emphasise the collective objective.
"I'm fully aware of what's at stake, where I am and what I have to do,” Mbappe said, quoted on Sky Sports. “The team knows what it has to do here as well.
"A new competition was starting. We played well today, even though we had a difficult start."
He also expressed support for France head coach Didier Deschamps following the personal circumstances surrounding the coach.
"We're all in this together,” the French superstar added.
“The coach has gone through something that, unfortunately, everyone experiences at some point in life.
“It's incredibly difficult. He'll never be alone with us. We'll support him."
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Olise continues to elevate France's attack
While Mbappé once again grabbed the headlines in front of goal, Michael Olise continued to demonstrate why he has become one of the tournament's most influential creators.
The winger was heavily involved throughout France's attacking play, helping create Barcola's goal while consistently stretching Sweden's defence with his movement and decision-making.
Alongside Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, Olise has formed one of the World Cup's most dangerous attacking partnerships, giving France multiple avenues to break down opposition defences as the knockout rounds progress.
Two heavyweights gather momentum
Both Norway and France now head into the last 16 carrying significant momentum.
Norway's reward is a mouth-watering meeting with Brazil, where Haaland will attempt to continue his remarkable scoring streak against one of the tournament favourites.
France, meanwhile, will face Paraguay knowing that another victory would move Mbappé, Olise and company one step closer to another World Cup title.
As the knockout stages gather pace, football's biggest stars are beginning to define the tournament - and Haaland and Mbappé once again proved why they remain among the most feared forwards in world football.
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