FIFA WC: Zlatan Challenges Beckham to World Cup Quarter-final Bet

The two superstars have bet their national pride on social media and regardless of the result, it will be historic.

The ex-Sweden captain bet his nation would win their quarterfinal clash against England - and David Beckham took up the challenge for the Three Lions

(Photo: The Quint)

Soccer superstars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Beckham have struck a deal ahead of the World Cup quarter-final game between their two countries on Saturday.

England and Sweden face off in Samara on Saturday evening to contest for a spot in the all-Europe semifinals, as the last two South American teams Brazil and Uruguay were eliminated in the earlier quarter-finals. England hasn’t reached the last-4 since 1990, while Sweden bagged a bronze medal in 1994.

To spice up the clash, Ibrahimovic, who retired from the national team in 2016 after captaining it, called out fellow football celebrity David Beckham on Instagram.

“Yo @davidbeckham if @england wins I buy you dinner where ever you want in the world," the Galaxy and ex-Sweden forward wrote, stipulating that if the Swedes win, Beckham must buy him whatever he chooses from furniture store Ikea.

Beckham, the former England and Galaxy midfielder, accepted the risk of furnishing Ibrahimovic's LA mansion — with a twist.

If Beckham's team wins Saturday in Samara, Ibrahimovic must come to a future England game "wearing an England shirt and enjoy fish & chips at half time."

The agreement was confirmed and captured by the official Twitter account of the Los Angeles Galaxy, which is one of four clubs (along with Manchester United, AC Milan and Paris St Germain) that the two icons have both been a part of.

While the idea of Zlatan in the English jersey sounds very interesting, a trip to IKEA for the two super-suave athletes is sure to be a memorable occasion. May the best man (and team) win!

(With inputs from the Associated Press)