Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

World Cup Round of 32 action continues on Tuesday with Ivory Coast facing Norway in Dallas, France meeting Sweden in East Rutherford and Mexico hosting Ecuador at Estadio Azteca.

The knockout stage has already shown how quickly big names can fall, making each match feel tighter than the odds suggest. Teams now have no room for slow starts, careless defending or wasted chances.

For more on the pressure of sudden-death football, read World Cup Knockout Lessons: Why Big Teams Are Falling And What Future Sides Must Fix, while official tournament details are available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.

Norway’s Firepower Meets Ivory Coast’s Defensive Shape

Norway enter their clash with Ivory Coast carrying real attacking threat, with Erling Haaland expected to return to the starting lineup after resting in the group-stage finale.

Martin Ødegaard’s service will be vital if Norway are to break through an Ivory Coast side built on discipline and quick counters.

Ivory Coast will lean on Yan Diomande at the back, while Amad Diallo and Nicolas Pépé give them the pace to hurt Norway in transition. The game could come down to whether Ivory Coast can keep Haaland quiet without losing their attacking outlet.

France Look To Keep Their Scoring Run Alive

France have looked like one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides, scoring 10 goals in three group matches.

Kylian Mbappé remains the obvious threat, especially if Sweden leave space behind their defence. Sweden conceded five goals against Netherlands, and France will test that back line with pace, movement and quick breaks.

For Sweden, the first 20 minutes may decide the tone. If they allow France to settle early, the match could quickly move away from them.

Mexico Return To Azteca With Momentum

Mexico have made the most of their home World Cup so far, winning all three group matches without conceding a goal.

That defensive form gives them a strong platform against Ecuador, who scored only twice in the group stage. With the Estadio Azteca crowd behind them, Mexico will expect to control the occasion as much as the ball.

Ecuador’s best chance may come from making the match uncomfortable and slowing Mexico’s rhythm. But if Mexico score first, their defence and home support could carry them into the next round.