Roy WardUpdated July 1, 2026 — 7:22am,first published 5:40am7.22amMbappe denied by the flagBy France have awoken with Mbappe going through on goal and putting a goal away.But his arm was just off-side, so the goal didn’t count.Consider this a warning, Sweden.France 0-0 Sweden after 20 minutes.7.12amFoul prone startBy Sweden striker Alexander Izak has had the first shot on target, sadly he didn’t hit it with full power so it was easily saved by Mike Maignan in France’s goal.Noticeably, there has already been six fouls called in the opening 10 minutes of play as both sides haven’t been very surgical with their tackles.Alexander Isak #9 of Sweden controls the ball.Getty ImagesThe referee has been very understanding so far, but I don’t expect that to last.As predicted, Sweden are taking this game to France when they have the ball - with three forwards in the team, they aren’t camping out and waiting for penalties.France 0-0 Sweden after 11 minutes.6.54amFrance, Sweden fire up in NYCBy Roy WardLes Bleus and Sweden have completed their final warm-ups as we count down to the kickoff at around 7am AEST and they are now on the pitch.One thing to watch today is the attacking power of both sides...we’ve seen Mbappe qualities through multiple world cups now and France remain favourites for this match and, in many eyes, for this title.France fans pose for photos before the clash with Sweden.Getty ImagesBut Sweden are very, very dangerous up front, especially when they go with the attacking front three of Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak - all three play in the EPL and have had good moments in this WC.One issue for this match is the pitch on Metlife Stadium which, in my view, has been pretty poor this tournament and hasn’t aided teams who want to pass the ball. Hopefully, it has been improved for this clash.For those wondering why they call it New York/New Jersey Stadium, it is because they built it in East Rutherford, New Jersey which is just across the water from New York and is the home of NFL clubs New York Jets and New York Giants. Sweden’s Benjamin Nygren (10) warms up.AP Photo/Frank Franklin II6.31amTeam lists: France v SwedenBy France coach Didier Deschamps has reshuffled his left flank for their round of 32 clash with Sweden today, handing full-back Lucas Digne and forward Bradley Barcola spots in the starting lineup.Here’s what you need to know:Digne comes in for Theo Hernandez and Barcola starts in place of Paris St Germain teammate Desire Doue.William Saliba returns at centre back after being rested against Norway.Adrien Rabiot reclaims starting place in midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni as Manu Kone returns to the bench.Sweden’s Lucas Bergvall starts in midfield, with Victor Lindelof dropping back into central defence.Kylian Mbappe warms up ahead of France’s elimination match against Sweden.AP Photo/Adam HungerFrance: Mike Maignan, Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Kylian Mbappe (captain).Sweden: Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelof (captain), Gabriel Gudmundsson, Daniel Svensson, Lucas Bergvall, Yasin Ayari, Elliot Stroud, Anthony Elanga, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak.Reuters5.38amIn pictures: Norway leaves it late against Ivory CoastBy Norway’s Erling Haaland, right, gets the ball past Ivory Coast’s Ibrahim Sangare.AP Photo/Julio CortezIvory Coast’s Amad Diallo scores.AP Photo/Tony GutierrezErling Haaland scores the 86th minute winner.AP Photo/Jessica TobiasHeartbreak for the Ivory Coast players.AP Photo/Julio CortezNorway’s Martin Oedegaard leads the team in the viking row celebration after the win.AP Photo/Sam Hodde5.31amMatch report: Haaland the hero again as Norway edge Ivory CoastBy Arlington: Erling Haaland shattered Ivory Coast’s World Cup hopes, netting an 86th-minute winner that sent Norway into the last 16 with a 2-1 victory at Dallas Stadium.Haaland’s fifth goal of the tournament sealed Norway’s progression after Amad Diallo had cancelled out Antonio Nusa’s 39th-minute opener, setting up a mouth-watering clash with Brazil in New York on Sunday.Erling Haaland celebrates his goal for Norway.Getty ImagesThe African side had shaded the opening exchanges with Nicolas Pepe threatening down the right, while Ghislain Konan went closest to putting his team ahead, bursting into the area to drag a shot into the side-netting.Yan Diomande picked out Pepe with a searching ball from the right only for the Villarreal man to mishit his shot, allowing the Norwegian defence to hack clear.5.28amWelcome to our live coverageBy Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.After a day of high drama, close finishes and shock results yesterday, hopefully the round of 32 knockout clashes deliver again today.Already today we’ve seen a late Erling Haaland goal give Norway a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, putting the Scandinavians through to tantalising round of 16 clash against Brazil.At 7am (AEST) it is one of the tournament favourites, France, up against Sweden in New Jersey and at 11am it is tournament co-host Mexico up against Ecuador at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.Erling Haaland scores the winner for Norway.AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez1 of 1