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The **2026 FIFA World Cup** knockout stage is in full swing, and Tuesday delivered some unforgettable moments across three Round of 32 matches. With the expanded 48-team format, every game from here on is do-or-die — and the drama did not disappoint.
Here’s a rundown of everything that happened on June 30, plus a look ahead at Wednesday’s blockbuster slate.
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## Norway 2–1 Ivory Coast — Haaland Delivers
**AT&T Stadium, Dallas, TX**
Erling Haaland scored once and assisted another as **Norway** defeated **Ivory Coast 2–1** to claim their first-ever World Cup knockout victory. The Manchester City striker opened the scoring with a trademark powerful finish in the first half, then set up Martin Ødegaard for the second after the break.
Ivory Coast pulled one back late through Sébastien Haller, but Norway held firm to book their spot in the Round of 16.
> “This is what we came here to do,” Haaland said post-match. “We’re not done yet.”
Norway will now face Brazil in the next round — a mouthwatering clash set for July 4.
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## France 3–0 Sweden — Les Bleus in Full Control
**MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ**
Defending champions **France** looked every bit the title contenders as they cruised past **Sweden 3–0** in front of a packed crowd at MetLife Stadium.
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring before halftime, and second-half goals from Antoine Griezmann and Eduardo Camavinga sealed a dominant performance. Sweden, who advanced as a best third-place team, had no answer for France’s relentless attack.
France will face the winner of the Paraguay–Mexico/ Ecuador side of the bracket.
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## Mexico vs. Ecuador — El Tri Leads in Mexico City
**Estadio Azteca, Mexico City**
**Mexico** took a commanding **2–0 lead** over **Ecuador** in a raucous atmosphere at Estadio Azteca before a weather delay pushed kickoff to 10 p.m. ET. The match was still underway at press time.
Julian Quiñones opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a stunning strike from inside the box — his third goal of the tournament. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead in the 31st minute, latching onto a Quiñones pass and firing a scorcher into the top corner.
The match started 90 minutes late due to lightning and heavy rain in Mexico City. Ecuador filed a pre-match complaint after Mexican fans surrounded their team hotel with fireworks late Monday night, adding extra tension to an already heated matchup.
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## What’s Next: Wednesday, July 1 — Three More Matches
The Round of 32 continues with a stacked triple-header on Wednesday:
| Match | Time (ET) | Venue |
|——-|———–|——-|
| England vs. DR Congo | 12:00 PM | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| Belgium vs. Senegal | 4:00 PM | Lumen Field, Seattle |
| **USA vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina** | **8:00 PM** | **Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco** |
The **United States** faces **Bosnia & Herzegovina** in the nightcap — a massive test for the Americans after a mixed group stage. The USMNT finished top of Group D with wins over Paraguay and Australia but stumbled against Turkey.
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## Key Takeaways from Tuesday
– **Norway** reaches Round of 16 for the first time in program history
– **France** continues to dominate — now unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches
– **Haaland vs. Brazil** in the Round of 16 is set to be a classic
– **Paraguay** stunned Germany on penalties Monday, setting up a potential path for South American teams
– The **USA** plays Wednesday night with a chance to advance on home soil
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## FAQ
### Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup?
All matches are broadcast on **Fox Sports** in the US, with streaming available on **fubo** (free trial available for new users).
### When is the World Cup final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be played on **July 19, 2026** at **MetLife Stadium** in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
### How does the new format work?
For the first time, 48 teams are competing in 12 groups of four. The top two from each group plus the eight best third-place teams advance to the Round of 32 — a brand new knockout round in World Cup history.
### When does the USA play next?
The United States faces Bosnia & Herzegovina on **Wednesday, July 1 at 8:00 PM ET** at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
### Who are the favorites to win the World Cup?
France, Brazil, Argentina, and Spain are among the betting favorites. France’s dominant 3–0 win over Sweden only strengthens their case as the team to beat.
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**Final Verdict:** The expanded World Cup format has delivered non-stop drama. If you’re a soccer fan, this is the most exciting tournament in years — and it’s happening right here in North America.
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