Underdog Alert: Can Mbappé and Haaland Survive the World Cup Knockouts?
The 2026 World Cup knockout phase is here, and giant nations have already tumbled. Tonight brings France vs Sweden and Norway vs Ivory Coast. Can football’s superstars avoid an early exit? France have been clinical, winning all three group games and scoring ten goals. Mbappé has starred with four goals and two assists, while Dembélé’s hat-trick proved this side no longer relies on one name. Sweden know upsets can happen. After a 5-1 win over Tunisia and a narrow escape against Japan, they insist belief can bridge any gap. One defensive slip against France could be decisive. On the other side, Haaland has netted braces in back-to-back matches. But Ivory Coast, unbeaten in two wins and a close defeat to Germany, believe they can exploit any isolation. Tonight’s fixtures could rewrite knockout history again.
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