Contents
- Competition: World Cup
- Date: 30th June 2026
- Kick-off: 18:00 UK / 19:00 CEST
- Venue: Dallas Stadium
Ivory Coast and Norway face off in Dallas for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash. Following a resilient group stage where both nations advanced with six points, Emerse Faé’s Elephants look to reassert African dominance using their physical, athletic prowess. Meanwhile, Ståle Solbakken's Norway seek a historic knockout triumph, relying on the world-class scoring of Erling Haaland. Let's preview this high-stakes tactical battle.
Ivory Coast vs Norway H2H stats
This is a historic first meeting between Ivory Coast and Norway, as the two men's national teams have never faced each other in an official match. The only previous intersection between these football federations came in 2015, when Norway's women's team defeated the Ivorians 3–1 during the World Cup group stage.
Ivory Coast team overview
Ivory Coast enters this Round of 32 encounter on the back of a crucial 2-0 victory over Curaçao in their final group-stage fixture.
The Elephants delivered one of their most composed displays of the tournament to secure a historic place in the knockout rounds.
Emerse Faé's men have built impressive momentum, winning five of their last six matches across all competitions, with the only blemish in that run a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany.
Nicolas Pépé heads into this contest in excellent form after scoring both goals against Curaçao, taking his tally to three goals at the tournament.
The squad is close to full strength, although veteran striker Sébastien Haller remains absent after missing out on the final squad because of fitness concerns and a lack of recent playing time.
Last matches of Ivory Coast
-
Curacao
0 : 2
Ivory Coast
World Cup
-
Germany
2 : 1
Ivory Coast
World Cup
-
France
1 : 2
Ivory Coast
Friendly International
-
Ivory Coast
1 : 0
Scotland
Friendly International
-
Korea Republic
0 : 4
Ivory Coast
Friendly International
Ivory Coast lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Yahia Fofana
Defenders
-
5
Wilfried Singo
-
2
Ousmane Diomande
-
12
Evan Ndicka
-
3
Ghislain Konan
Midfielders
-
8
Franck Kessié
-
6
Seko Fofana
-
18
Ibrahim Sangaré
Forwards
-
15
Amad Diallo
-
9
Ange-Yoan Bonny
-
11
Yan Diomandé
Norway team overview
Norway enters this Round of 32 encounter on the back of a disappointing 4-1 defeat to France in their final group-stage outing.
The Lions had looked in fine shape beforehand, securing knockout qualification with convincing victories over Iraq and Senegal, so the heavy loss served as a timely reality check.
Ståle Solbakken's men still arrive in decent form overall, having won four of their previous five matches across qualifying and the tournament.
Erling Haaland remains the side's biggest weapon after extending his impressive scoring streak with goals in consecutive World Cup appearances, and Norway will once again rely on his cutting edge in front of goal.
There are few selection concerns, with captain Martin Ødegaard expected to return refreshed after being rested, leaving Solbakken close to a full-strength squad.
Last matches of Norway
-
Norway
1 : 4
France
World Cup
-
Norway
3 : 2
Senegal
World Cup
-
Morocco
1 : 1
Norway
Friendly International
-
Norway
3 : 1
Sweden
Friendly International
-
Norway
0 : 0
Switzerland
Friendly International
Norway lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Ørjan Nyland
Defenders
-
26
Julian Ryerson
-
3
Kristoffer Ajer
-
4
Leo Østigård
-
5
David Møller Wolfe
Midfielders
-
8
Sander Berge
-
10
Martin Ødegaard
-
14
Fredrik Aursnes
Forwards
-
7
Alexander Sørloth
-
9
Erling Haaland
-
20
Antonio Nusa
Prediction
Norway's tactical discipline might just give them the edge in this knockout clash. Ivory Coast's physical strength will ask plenty of questions, and Sie can expect a fiercely competitive contest from the Elephants. Even so, Ståle Solbakken's side arguably have more quality in the final third. Erling Haaland only needs a small opening to make the difference, and that could prove decisive.
Three reasons we expect over 2.5 goals in this one
- Ivory Coast have scored in each of their last 12 matches.
- Norway scored 3+ goals in three of their last five matches.
- Seven of the last nine games of Norward produced over 2.5 goals.
Main prediction Ivory Coast - Norway
Over 2.5 goals
Best Odds: