World Cup Headlines: The New Twin Stars Duel — Haaland and Mbappé Steal the Show

In the final round of the group stage, the long-awaited duel between the two new superstars — Mbappé vs. Haaland — did not materialize in the match between France and Norway. But now in the knockout stage, their long-distance rivalry continues.

On July 1 Beijing time, in the Round of 32, Haaland returned to the starting lineup after being rested in the previous group match and scored a crucial late winner, leading Norway to a 2–1 victory — the first knockout-stage win in the nation's World Cup history.

Meanwhile, Mbappé delivered a brace, helping France defeat Sweden 3–0 to advance to the Round of 16. The USA-Mexico-Canada story of the new twin stars continues to write new chapters.

Group F, once dubbed the "Group of Death," lived up to its name — the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia have all been eliminated.

Haaland Returns to the Spotlight with a Match-Winner

In the third round of the group stage, during the direct clash between France and Norway, the Norwegian side opted for heavy rotation, and Haaland did not take the field.

Now back in the knockout rounds, Haaland returned to the pitch and once again proved his prowess with a goal.

In the Round of 32 match against Ivory Coast, Norway took the lead in the 39th minute through Nusa's brilliant curling shot from the left side of the box. In the 74th minute, Amad equalized for Ivory Coast.

Just as the match was heading toward extra time, Haaland stepped up. Patrick Berg delivered a low cross from the byline, and Haaland pounced to slot the ball home, securing a dramatic late winner for Norway.

With the 2–1 victory, Norway advanced to the Round of 16 — their first-ever knockout-stage win in a World Cup. The nation, making its fourth World Cup appearance, also matched its best-ever performance in the tournament.

However, a formidable challenge awaits if Norway hopes to reach the quarterfinals for the first time — in the Round of 16, they will face Brazil, who came from behind to eliminate Japan 2–1.

Norway also became the first European team to secure a Round of 16 berth in this tournament. Previously, Germany suffered a shock penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, while the Netherlands were denied by Morocco.

Although he did not play in the group-stage match against France, the well-rested Haaland once again demonstrated his dominance. According to statistics, he has now scored in 13 consecutive official international matches, reaching 60 national-team goals in just 53 appearances.

This makes Haaland the fastest player to reach 60 international goals since German striker Gerd Müller (48 matches) in 1973.

Ahead of the Round of 16 clash between Norway and Brazil, Premier League legend Wayne Rooney has already expressed anticipation for the direct battle between Manchester City striker Haaland and Arsenal defender Gabriel. "They've had some great battles in recent years, and their rematch will be well worth watching."

Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken also heaped praise on Haaland: "I think he's the greatest striker in the world. His numbers for the national team are beyond imagination, and his ability to hold up the ball is seriously underrated. Scoring 5 goals in 3 World Cup games — I don't think even he imagined he could do that. I wouldn't swap him for anyone."

Mbappé Makes History with a Brace

While Haaland powered Norway into the Round of 16, France's star forward Mbappé continued his own march.

In France's Round of 32 match against Sweden, Mbappé delivered a spectacular performance just before halftime — receiving the ball on the left side of the box, he feinted past his defender and unleashed a powerful shot to put France ahead.

After Mbappé broke the deadlock, France's attacking firepower did not let up. In the 53rd minute, Olise provided a through ball assist, and Barcola smashed home to extend the lead.

France continued to dominate. In the 74th minute, Olise again threaded a through ball, and Mbappé raced onto it before slotting home with his right foot to complete his brace, sealing a commanding 3–0 victory.

This match marked Mbappé's 18th World Cup appearance for France, tying Varane and Giroud for the third-most in French history, behind only Griezmann (19) and Lloris (20). Mbappé is expected to break that record during this tournament.

With his goals, Mbappé also made history — scoring 10 goals in his 9th World Cup knockout match, surpassing Griezmann (8 goals) to become France's all-time leading knockout-stage scorer in major tournaments (World Cup + European Championship).

Mbappé's World Cup goal tally has now reached 18, surpassing Klose (16 goals) to sit alone in second place on the World Cup all-time scoring list, just one goal behind leader Messi.

In World Cup history, Mbappé became the first player to score at least two goals in seven different matches. He is also the only French player to score at least 5 goals in two different World Cups.

With his two goals, Mbappé also matched his own record for the most goals in a single season by a French player (54 goals). As he was substituted near the end of the match, even France head coach Didier Deschamps bowed in a "worship" gesture toward Mbappé.

In the current World Cup scoring chart, Mbappé and Messi are tied at the top with 6 goals each, followed by Haaland with 5. The goal-scoring duel between the new twin stars and the Argentine king continues to captivate millions of fans.

Koeman Resigns — Nagelsmann Next?

On the previous matchday, the Netherlands were eliminated after a penalty shootout loss to Morocco. Shortly after the defeat, Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman submitted his resignation.

"I have made the decision to end my tenure as head coach of the Netherlands national team," he stated publicly on social media. "We all dreamed of a World Cup that would make history, but it was not to be. No one is more disappointed than I am. As a head coach, you have to take responsibility."

"The past few years have also reminded me that there are things more important than football. Football was my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a difficult battle, your perspective changes."

"I want to thank every player I have worked with. Your dedication, character, and trust inspired me every day. Thank you also to my coaching staff, the Royal Dutch Football Association, all the backroom staff, and the clubs I have worked for. But most of all, thank you to the fans — for your support, especially during the difficult times."