Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will become rivals on Saturday when England face Norway in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The two midfielders were instrumental in Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign and their run to the UEFA Champions League final before they lost to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
Now, the club teammates will battle for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Norway captain Odegaard has been one of the tournament’s standout performers, providing three assists, with only Michael Olise, Brahim Diaz and Bruno Guimaraes recording more.
According to FIFA, the 27-year-old has also made more sprints than any Norway player with 229, while only Sander Berge has covered more distance during the competition.
Rice has also impressed for England, completing 91 per cent of his 171 passes while providing defensive stability and contributing from set-pieces.
Speaking in 2025, Rice praised Odegaard’s influence as Arsenal captain.
“He’s one of the best lads I’ve seen in terms of how he lives his life off the pitch.
“He’s got the full respect of the [Arsenal] dressing room, the way he demands, the way he drives the team, the way he speaks.
“He’s been amazing for us, and I wouldn’t want anyone else being our captain.”
Odegaard also spoke highly of Rice ahead of the quarter-final.
“He’s someone who always gives absolutely everything for the team. He is always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy to the pitch, driving the team forward.
“He can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be good on the ball.
“He’s a very complete player, so it’s going to be a good test for all of us.”
England coach Thomas Tuchel believes Rice ranks among the world’s best midfielders.
“He is one of the very best midfielders in the world.
“He is also very humble, a football lover.
“He is a team player and is ready every day to give energy and quality to the group. I am proud to be his coach.”
England are chasing their first World Cup title since 1966, while Norway are enjoying the best World Cup campaign in their history after reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.
