Knockout Stage Day 3 brings another set of high-stakes matchups, with favorites looking to avoid upsets and underdogs hoping to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Norway takes on a powerful Ivory Coast side, France looks to avoid the same kind of shock result that took down Germany, and Mexico gets a massive home-soil showdown against a red-hot Ecuador team.

Ivory Coast vs. Norway

This game is between two runner-up teams from group play, with Ivory Coast finishing behind Germany and Norway finishing behind France.

Already, we have seen how difficult the opening knockout round can be and how strong the competition has become. Ivory Coast, one of the best of the nine African nations that qualified for the knockout stage, enters this match with confidence after an impressive group-stage showing.

Norway won its first two matches and then lost big to France in the third match, but they should be well rested after holding back some starters from that game, including superstar Erling Haaland.

What makes this game extra special and interesting is the star power on both sides. Both squads are ready for the test after playing against top-rated countries in their respective groups.

Speed, strength, determination, will, and drive are all highlighted qualities both teams bring into this match. For Norway, the time is here for its golden-age generation to step up and win the big game. As for Ivory Coast, they represent a continent and carry championship pride with them to the pitch.

With every elephant-type breath, the belief system of Ivory Coast only gets mightier. It is going to be Haaland at one end for Norway and Diomandé for the Elephants at the other end.

Pro Paul’s Pick: Norway advances.

France vs. Sweden

Could playing in New York, where the World Cup final will be played, be a test run for heavily favored France? Or will they be the next victim alongside Germany as one of the biggest upsets in the Cup?

Sweden got blown out by the Netherlands 5-1, just like Paraguay got blown out by the USA 4-1, but Paraguay still managed to bounce back and upset Germany in the knockout stage. France does have concerns that the Swedes will field a much stronger team and has been cautioned to be prepared after witnessing Paraguay’s historic upset versus Germany.

Mbappé and Dembélé are two of the most dangerous players in the entire tournament, and France will look for an early goal to win over the New York crowd and settle into the match.

Sweden has enough quality to make things uncomfortable, but France has the speed, star power, and attacking depth to control the game if they start fast.

Pro Paul’s Pick: France advances.

Mexico vs. Ecuador

Mexico has a huge advantage playing on home soil, but the altitude advantage may not be as strong as usual. Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, sits at a higher elevation than Estadio Azteca, so Ecuador should not be overwhelmed by the conditions.

Mexico fans will be singing and doing the wave, making it feel like Mexico has a 12th man on the field. Ecuador, however, performs well under pressure and in front of big crowds, having done so in matches against Brazil and Argentina.

The two styles of soccer are very similar, with Ecuador sometimes playing more direct while trying to utilize its speed up top.

Mexico cruised into the knockout stage by winning its first two games, while Ecuador had to fight its way in by pulling off a huge upset win against Germany in the third match of group play.

Now everything resets. It is win or go home, although for Mexico, it would be stay home. If this is indeed Mexico’s time, they must turn their game up a notch to defeat a talented and red-hot Ecuadorian team.

Ecuador will likely drop into a low block and look to counter, or maintain possession in the final third while waiting for the right moment to penetrate the seams and create scoring chances.

This should be tense, physical, and emotional, but Mexico has the home crowd, confidence, and momentum to survive and advance.

Pro Paul’s Pick: Mexico advances.