OneFootball x FanDuel: The key questions on World Cup Day 2️⃣0️⃣ | OneFootball

The Round of 32 continues today with three intriguing knockout ties as Côte d'Ivoire face Norway, France take on Sweden and Mexico meet Ecuador.

Norway and France have been among the standout performers of the tournament so far, while Côte d'Ivoire, Sweden, Mexico and Ecuador all produced enough during the group stage to believe they can cause an upset.

Here are the big questions on Day 20.

What games are on today?

Côte d'Ivoire v Norway

One of Africa's major hopes faces one of Europe's in-form sides.

Côte d'Ivoire reached the knockout rounds after producing an impressive group-stage campaign built on defensive resilience and clinical finishing. Emerse Faé's side have looked well organised throughout the tournament and now have the opportunity to reach the last 16 for the first time.

Norway have quietly become one of the competition's most entertaining teams. They finished top of their group after winning all three matches and scoring freely, with Erling Haaland continuing his excellent goalscoring form and Martin Ødegaard controlling games from midfield. FIFA has highlighted Norway as one of the tournament's surprise packages after their perfect start.

Norway possess greater attacking quality, but Côte d'Ivoire have already shown they are capable of frustrating more fancied opponents.

Our prediction: Côte d'Ivoire 1-2 Norway

France v Sweden

An all-European clash with a place in the last 16 at stake.

France have looked every inch one of the tournament favourites. Didier Deschamps' side navigated the group stage unbeaten, combining defensive solidity with an attack led by Kylian Mbappé that has consistently troubled opponents. Reuters noted that France have managed their squad well while maintaining momentum heading into the knockout rounds.

Sweden progressed after an impressive group campaign built around discipline, organisation and quick transitions. They may not have scored as freely as France, but they have proven difficult to break down and will believe they can keep the game close.

France's depth and individual quality should ultimately make the difference, although Sweden are unlikely to make life easy.

Our prediction: France 2-0 Sweden

Mexico v Ecuador

Perhaps the closest contest of the day takes place between two evenly matched sides.

Mexico have been one of the more consistently impressive sides at this tournament. Javier Aguirre's side have relied on their experience in major tournaments and have improved with each performance.

Ecuador also arrive full of confidence after progressing from a competitive group thanks to an energetic, disciplined style of play. Their young squad has impressed throughout the competition, particularly defensively, and FIFA has praised their organisation without the ball.

Neither side is likely to dominate possession for long spells, and fine margins could decide the outcome. Mexico's greater experience at this stage of major tournaments may prove decisive.

Our prediction: Mexico 2-1 Ecuador

Which player should I look out for?

📸 Buda Mendes - 2026 Getty Images

Erling Haaland continues to underline why he is regarded as one of the world's most feared strikers.

The Norway forward has led the line superbly throughout the tournament and remains among the leading goalscorers after the group stage. His movement inside the penalty area and ruthless finishing have been central to Norway's impressive start.

If Norway are to continue their best World Cup run in decades, expect Haaland to play a decisive role.

Can you give me one stat to impress my friends?

France have progressed from each of their last six World Cup group-stage campaigns and have reached at least the Round of 16 at every tournament since 2014. Meanwhile, Norway are aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since France 1998.

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