As anticipation builds ahead of one of the biggest matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Norway captain Martin Ødegaard has jokingly revealed that Arsenal teammate Declan Rice has already warned him that England will be doing everything possible to stop him in their upcoming quarter-final showdown.
Speaking with a smile after Norway’s historic victory to reach the last eight, Ødegaard admitted that it will be a strange feeling coming up against one of his closest teammates from Arsenal on football’s biggest stage.
“Declan has already told me they won’t give me any space,” Ødegaard laughed. “He said England are coming to stop me. That’s football. We play together all season, but when it’s your country, everything changes.”
The comments have quickly caught the attention of football fans, who are excited to see two of Arsenal’s most influential midfielders face off in a match with enormous stakes. Both players have enjoyed outstanding tournaments, helping their respective nations reach the quarter-finals through disciplined performances and strong leadership.
Ødegaard has been Norway’s creative heartbeat throughout the competition, dictating the tempo of matches with his vision, passing range and composure under pressure. The Arsenal captain has led by example, inspiring his teammates as Norway continue one of the biggest surprise runs of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Rice has once again established himself as England’s midfield engine. His ability to break up attacks, dominate duels and drive his team forward has made him one of England’s standout performers, earning praise from supporters and pundits alike.
Although friends at club level, neither player is expected to show any favours once the whistle blows. Their midfield battle could ultimately determine which nation progresses to the semi-finals.
Ødegaard admitted that the friendship between the two will be put on hold for 90 minutes.
“Declan is one of the best midfielders in the world, and I have huge respect for him,” he said. “We know each other’s game very well, but once the match starts, we’re opponents. We both want to win for our countries.”
Rice is equally expected to relish the challenge, knowing that stopping Ødegaard’s creativity will be one of England’s biggest tactical priorities. The pair have formed an outstanding partnership at Arsenal, combining defensive strength with attacking intelligence, but they now find themselves on opposite sides in one of the tournament’s biggest occasions.
Football supporters around the world are eagerly anticipating the fascinating individual battle between two Premier League stars who know each other’s strengths and weaknesses better than most.
Once the final whistle sounds, their friendship will resume. Until then, club loyalties will be forgotten as Norway and England battle for a coveted place in the World Cup semi-finals.