Club teammates become rivals in World Cup quarter-final

By Sanjay Menon — 10 July 2026 — 4 min read

Club teammates become rivals in World Cup quarter-final

Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, teammates at Arsenal, are set to put their club union aside as their respective national teams, England and Norway, meet in a World Cup quarter-final. The match, taking place in Miami, will see the two players, who have walked out together 117 times for their club, compete against each other for a spot in the semi-finals.

The encounter is anticipated to be a decisive one, featuring two key figures in Arsenal’s recent success. Both players are considered to be in their prime, and this opportunity on the global stage is significant for their national teams. While they did not play against each other at age-group levels, their competitive spirit has been honed during intense training sessions at London Colney.

Ødegaard, captain for Norway since 2021 and for Arsenal since the following year, leads by example. His appointment as captain for Norway looked a brave move by coach Ståle Solbakken. Similarly, Mikel Arteta entrusted him with the armband at Arsenal, signifying a more serious approach for the club. Rice has previously expressed his admiration for Ødegaard’s leadership, stating, “I wouldn’t want anyone else being our captain.”

Rice, who also serves as vice-captain for England and is part of Arteta’s leadership group, has become a pivotal figure for both his club and country. He demonstrated his resilience in a recent match in Mexico City, shrugging off an early yellow card and playing through hamstring and lower-back pain. This performance was his game of the season, highlighting his consistent presence on the pitch.

Ødegaard praised Rice’s commitment, noting, “He’s someone who always gives absolutely everything for the team, always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy to the pitch.” He further described Rice as a versatile player capable of defending, attacking, and being physical, calling him a “very complete player.”

Ødegaard’s role and form

Ødegaard’s importance to Arteta’s plans has been scrutinised due to a series of injuries that affected his title-winning season, alongside the arrival of Eberechi Eze. Despite speculation, Arsenal reportedly has no intentions of selling him. However, his on-pitch status has faced examination, though this is less the case for his role with Norway.

Solbakken highlighted Ødegaard’s long-standing importance to the national team, stating, “Together with Erling Haaland he’s been our best player for a long time and a great captain when times were a little tougher than they are now.” Ødegaard faced criticism after Norway’s opening match against Iraq but has since shown improved form, appearing sharper during their victory over Brazil in the last 16.

Leading Norway in their first World Cup since 1998 has been a significant goal for Ødegaard. During periods sidelined in the 2025-26 season, he maintained regular contact with Solbakken, providing updates on his condition and discussing team matters. Solbakken noted that Ødegaard often has a more free role in the national team compared to his club duties, though many responsibilities remain similar to those required by Arteta.

Solbakken explained that this increased freedom comes from Ødegaard’s extensive experience. He suggested that while at Arsenal, Ødegaard shares responsibilities with players like Rice and Martín Zubimendi, but with Norway, more is placed on his shoulders, which Solbakken believes Ødegaard enjoys and deserves.

Rice may be tasked with neutralising Ødegaard’s influence in the upcoming match. This tactical approach would align with Rice’s strengths in game management, a crucial aspect of tournament football. There is a belief among those close to Rice that he has learned from past experiences, such as a red card received two years ago.

Other quarter-final matchups

The World Cup quarter-finals feature several other compelling matchups. Spain, after a late winner from Mikel Merino against Portugal, is set to face Leandro Trossard‘s Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday. Merino, who scored in stoppage time, described his current form as the highest point of his career, reflecting on past challenges and the support he received.

Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, expressed his strong affection for Merino, highlighting their long-standing relationship and Merino’s consistent performance as a substitute. De la Fuente called Merino “world-class” and a “safe bet.”

In other quarter-final action, William Saliba‘s France will play against Morocco in Boston on Thursday.

The friendship between Rice and Ødegaard, strengthened by their shared success at Arsenal, will be temporarily set aside as they compete for their national teams. Ødegaard commented on their relationship, saying, “It’s such a pleasure to share the pitch with him.” The outcome of their direct confrontation on Saturday will determine which of them advances to the semi-finals.

Source: theguardian.com