With his fifth goal of FIFA World Cup 2026 and his 60th international goal for Norway, Erling Haaland fired his country into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1998, while Kylian Mbappé moved into outright second place on the tournament’s all-time scoring charts as France advanced comfortably.
Norway, France and co-host Mexico secured their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after impressive knockout-stage victories, with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé delivering milestone performances to lead their respective nations.
Norway edged Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in a hard-fought Round of 32 clash at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, June 30, while France cruised past Sweden 3-0 and Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 on Wednesday, July 1 to continue their World Cup campaigns.
Norway booked its first place in the World Cup knockout stage since 1998, overcoming a determined Côte d’Ivoire side in Dallas. Haaland proved to be the difference once again, scoring the decisive goal to send his country through to a quarter-final meeting with Brazil on July 5 at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The Manchester City striker’s winner was his fifth goal of FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 60th international goal of his career for Norway.
Côte d’Ivoire had fought back impressively after Amad Diallo produced a superb second-half equaliser, but Haaland’s clinical finish ultimately ended the African side’s resistance.
France, meanwhile, produced another commanding display at New York/New Jersey Stadium, defeating Sweden 3-0 to reach the last eight.
The victory also marked another historic milestone for captain Kylian Mbappé, who moved into outright second place on the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorers list, further cementing his status among the tournament’s greatest players.
France controlled the match throughout, comfortably overcoming Sweden to continue its pursuit of another World Cup title.
Earlier in Mexico City, co-hosts Mexico delighted home supporters with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Ecuador to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
The win extended Mexico’s impressive run on home soil as they continued their campaign in front of passionate local support at Mexico City Stadium.
With the latest results, Norway, France and Mexico join the growing list of quarter-finalists as the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage continues to gather momentum.
Results
Tuesday, June 30
- Norway 2-1 Côte d’Ivoire — Dallas Stadium
Wednesday, July 1
- France 3-0 Sweden — New York/New Jersey Stadium
- Mexico 2-0 Ecuador — Mexico City Stadium
