Martin Odegaard and William Saliba progressed to the last-16 of the World Cup on Tuesday, but Viktor Gyokeres and Piero Hincapie were both eliminated.
Martin Odegaard #10 of Norway crosses the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Cote d'Ivoire and Norway at Dallas Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Arsenal had four internationals in action in the World Cup knockouts on Tuesday, with Martin Odegaard and Norway kicking things off with a match against high-flying Cote d’Ivoire.
It certainly wasn’t an easy game, but Odegaard notched a first-half assist for Antonio Nusa’s brilliant finish for 1-0, and despite the opposition drawing level, Erling Haaland scored a late winner to send Norway through.
Odegaard now has three assists in his three World Cup appearances, playing a significant role in his country reaching the last-16.
Viktor Gyokeres #17 of Sweden competes for the ball against Dayot Upamecano #4 and William Saliba #17 of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Next up, William Saliba of France took on Viktor Gyokeres of Sweden, meaning it was inevitable that one Arsenal player would be going through, and one going out.
Unfortunately for Gyokeres, this match was much more straightforward, and Saliba came away with a clean sheet in a brilliant 3-0 victory for a France team that look like being one of the favourites to win the entire competition.
That just left Piero Hincapie and Ecuador, who were facing hosts Mexico. Ecuador had a fantastic defensive unit in qualifying, but it wasn’t enough on this occasion, and Mexico won the match 2-0.
To make matters worse, Hincapie picked up a red card, and he’ll serve a suspension in Ecuador’s next competitive game.
Piero Hincapie #3 of Ecuador reacts as he leaves the pitch after being shown a red card following a VAR review after he is adjudged to have covered his mouth whilst speaking to Santiago Gimenez #11 of Mexico (not pictured) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
For the two players who progressed to the last-16, Brazil await Norway, whilst France will take on Paraguay. The Brazil clash between the two Gabriels, Odegaard, and Manchester City rival Haaland looks like being a tasty encounter.
There will be more Arsenal players in action on Wednesday, with up to four Gunners playing for England against D.R. Congo at 17:00 BST, before Leandro Trossard and Belgium face Senegal at 21:00 BST.
Leandro Trossard #10 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between New Zealand and Belgium at BC Place Vancouver on June 26, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
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