Odegaard will face Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke when Norway meet England. Rice played the full match against Mexico, while Saka started and supplied the assist for Harry Kane before being withdrawn in the second half.
That gives England four Arsenal players in the same quarter-final, with different responsibilities across the pitch:
For Arsenal, the contest is also a measure of Odegaard’s influence. The captain led Norway past Brazil, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals, and now faces players who know his strengths and habits better than most international opponents.
William Saliba had already reached the last eight with France, taking Arsenal’s confirmed quarter-final representation to six players when Odegaard and the England quartet are included.
Brazil’s elimination means Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli are out at the last-16 stage. Their departure reduces Arsenal’s presence, but the club could still add more players before the quarter-final lineup is complete.
David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are hoping to advance with Spain against Portugal, while Leandro Trossard remains in contention with Belgium against the United States.
Arsenal’s international story now centres on the Norway-England meeting. Odegaard’s leadership will be tested against familiar faces, while the next fixtures could make the club’s World Cup footprint even larger.