The World Cup knockout stages continue this evening after two dramatic matches overnight. Paraguay stunned Germany on penalties, with the Netherlands also crashing out to dark horses Morocco in similar fashion. Julian Nagelsmann’s side had looked disjointed in their group games, narrowly avoiding a scare against the Ivory Coast, falling behind to Curacao, and getting beaten by Ecuador. The Netherlands swept past Sweden and Tunisia in their group stage, but were held by an impressive Japan side and then taken to extra time and penalties by the Africa Cup of Nations champions.
France vs Sweden Headline Clash
France face Sweden this evening in the headline round of 32 clash at the MetLife Stadium. Les Bleus are looking to win back their world title that they lost to Argentina back in 2022, having secured their first World Cup win since 1998 when they defeated Croatia 4-2 in Moscow eight years ago. Now, they take on Graham Potter’s Sweden in East Rutherford, New Jersey, looking to reach the last 16. Didier Deschamps will be back in the dugout after missing his side’s final Group I match, where they won 4-1 against an understrength Norway. The French boss flew home to attend his father’s funeral.
Sweden, meanwhile, scraped into the knockout stages with a third-placed finish in Group F, securing a win over Tunisia, a draw with Japan and a heavy loss against the Netherlands. They boast some dangerous stars, including the likes of Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, with Potter shoehorning the pair into the same lineup in a 3-5-2 shape.
Norway vs Ivory Coast in Arlington
Also on the agenda this evening is Norway vs the Ivory Coast in Arlington, Texas, and Stale Solbakken will welcome back his star names for this match, after making 10 changes to his lineup for the game against France. It saw Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard fully rested, with qualification from Group I already secured. They face a dangerous Ivorian side that consists of a strong backbone of experienced talent based presently or previously in Europe, including former Chelsea men Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, while Sadio Mane continues to be their leading light in the final third.
Group J and Other Matches
The group stage concludes in Group J, where Lionel Messi will start on the bench as holders Argentina - already guaranteed first place - prepare to ring the changes in Dallas against debutants Jordan whose exit has already been confirmed. Algeria and Austria also each hope to make the round of 32, with both teams on three points as they collide in Kansas City.
How to Watch World Cup Tonight
Norway vs Ivory Coast is up first, being shown on BBC One. It is a 6pm BST kick off, and coverage begins at 5.30pm BST. You can also stream the game for free on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. France vs Sweden is on ITV1, with kick off at 10pm, and coverage beginning at 9.15pm. You can also live stream the game for free on ITVX.
