Overview
- Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 at Dallas Stadium, securing the nation’s first-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory in the round of 32 on June 30.
- Martin Odegaard set up Antonio Nusa’s opener in that match, marking his third assist in three World Cup appearances after creating goals vs Iraq and Erling Haaland against Senegal.
- Only two players before Odegaard — Igor Belanov in 1986 and Michael Ballack in 2002 — had assisted in each of their first three World Cup games.
- Norwegian media praised Odegaard’s full 90-minute display and data providers reported strong metrics, including about 88% pass accuracy and notable chance creation, which together suggest regained fitness after an injury-hit 2025–26 season with Arsenal.
- Norway now meet Brazil in the round of 16 on July 5, where Odegaard can become the first player to assist in his first four World Cup outings and where his form could affect Arsenal’s summer planning and his personal standing going forward.