Saliba and Odegaard Reach World Cup Knockouts

William Saliba and Martin Odegaard both booked their places in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup on a dramatic, rain-soaked Monday that underlined their growing influence on the biggest stage.

Saliba shines in storm as France cruise

In Philadelphia, the storm never really let up, but neither did France. Saliba played every minute of a 3-0 win over Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium, a night that turned into a test of concentration as much as quality.

The defender barely put a foot wrong. He finished with seven defensive interventions and a razor-sharp 95% pass accuracy, knitting France’s buildup together on a pitch slick with standing water and nerves.

Kylian Mbappe cut through the chaos first. Fourteen minutes in, he struck to give France control, a clean finish that settled any early anxiety. Then the heavens opened properly.

A severe downpour and lightning forced a remarkable two-hour half-time delay. Players disappeared down the tunnel, fans huddled under ponchos and roofs, and the match threatened to lose all rhythm.

Once play finally resumed, Mbappe wasted no time in restoring it. Nine minutes into the second half, he struck again, doubling the lead and killing off any Iraqi hope of an upset. Ousmane Dembele added a third, and from there France simply managed the game, Saliba patrolling the back line with calm authority.

The result leaves France top of Group I with six points from two matches, edging Norway only on goal difference. The table is tight, but the message from the holders is clear: they are already in knockout mode.

Odegaard pulls the strings as Norway edge five-goal thriller

If France’s win was controlled, Norway’s was anything but. In a breathless 3-2 victory over Senegal, Odegaard’s side twice looked comfortable, twice felt the pressure, and ultimately did just enough to join France in the last 32.

Norway struck first, Marcus Pederson putting them ahead before the interval. It was the kind of goal that usually settles a side. Instead, it set up a second half that swung wildly.

Early after the restart, Odegaard took charge. Spotting the run of Erling Haaland, the Norway captain sliced Senegal open with a precise, incisive through ball. Haaland did the rest for 2-0, a classic combination of vision and ruthless finishing.

Senegal refused to fold. Ismaila Sarr dragged them back into the contest, pulling one back and changing the tone of the game. The tension rose, spaces opened, and the match turned into a shootout between the two star forwards.

Haaland struck again. Sarr answered in kind. The scoreboard ticked to 3-2, and Norway had to ride out a frantic finish to secure their place in the last 32. When the whistle finally went, the release was obvious.

Odegaard led the celebrations with a full Norwegian viking row routine on the pitch, players lined up, miming the oars in unison. It was playful, but it also carried a message: Norway are not here just to make up the numbers.

England’s Arsenal contingent set for Ghana clash

Attention now swings to Thomas Tuchel’s England, who face Ghana in a 9pm kick-off as they chase back-to-back wins and their own passage towards the knockouts.

Declan Rice will anchor midfield again, while Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze all push to leave their mark on the tournament’s early stages. With Saliba and Odegaard already safely through, the question now is whether England’s core can match their club counterparts’ early statement on the world stage.