One of the most evenly matched ties in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 sees Ivory Coast take on Norway in Dallas, with both nations aiming to extend their impressive tournament campaigns.
The Elephants reached the knockout stage for the first time in their World Cup history after finishing second in Group E, while Norway secured qualification from Group I thanks to the outstanding goalscoring form of Erling Haaland. With two attack-minded teams meeting, fans can expect an entertaining battle for a place in the Round of 16.
Match Details
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
| Match | Ivory Coast vs Norway |
| Stage | Round of 32 |
| Venue | Dallas Stadium |
| Date | July 1, 2026 |
| Kickoff | TBA |
Ivory Coast Chasing More History
Ivory Coast have enjoyed an impressive tournament and arrive full of confidence after qualifying for the knockout rounds for the first time.
Emerse Faé’s side opened with a victory over Ecuador, pushed Germany all the way despite a narrow defeat, and finished the group stage by comfortably beating Curaçao.
Led by experienced players like Franck Kessié and Nicolas Pépé, alongside exciting young talent, the Elephants have shown they are capable of competing with top international teams.
Ivory Coast World Cup Form
🟢 W | 🔴 L | 🟢 W
Ivory Coast Form (All Competitions)
🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🔴 L | 🟢 W
📸 Image Suggestion 1
- Nicolas Pépé celebrating during the group stage.
- Franck Kessié controlling the midfield for Ivory Coast.
Norway Rely on Haaland’s Clinical Finishing
Norway have returned to the World Cup after a long absence and have already shown why they are one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking teams.
Erling Haaland has carried much of the scoring responsibility, producing four goals during the group stage to fire the Vikings into the knockout rounds.
Although Norway suffered a heavy defeat against France in their final group match, they remain a dangerous side thanks to the creativity of Martin Ødegaard and the pace of Antonio Nusa.
Norway World Cup Form
🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🔴 L
Norway Form (All Competitions)
🟡 D | 🟢 W | 🟡 D | 🟢 W | 🟢 W | 🔴 L
Team News
Ivory Coast are still monitoring Wilfried Singo, who remains doubtful after missing the final group match through injury. If unavailable, Odilon Kossounou and Ousmane Diomandé are expected to continue in central defense.
Norway could also make a late decision on Julian Ryerson’s fitness. Should he fail to recover in time, Fredrik Aursnes is expected to fill the right-back role.
As always, Haaland will spearhead Norway’s attack, supported by Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa.
Predicted Lineups
Ivory Coast Predicted XI
Fofana; Doué, Kossounou, O. Diomandé, Konan; Sangaré; Diallo, Kessié, Oulai, Y. Diomandé; Pépé
Norway Predicted XI
Nyland; Aursnes, Ajer, Heggem, Møller Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berg, Berge; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa
Key Players to Watch
Nicolas Pépé (Ivory Coast)
The experienced winger has looked sharp throughout the tournament. His pace and ability to create chances could be crucial if the Elephants are to break down Norway’s defense.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
With four goals already at the World Cup, Haaland remains Norway’s biggest weapon. Give him one clear opportunity inside the box, and he is likely to make the difference.
Head-to-Head
There is very little history between these two nations in major international tournaments, making this a fresh and unpredictable knockout encounter.
Ivory Coast have impressed with their balance between defense and attack, while Norway continue to rely on one of the world’s most prolific goalscorers.
Match Prediction
Both teams possess enough attacking quality to score, but Norway’s experience in front of goal could prove decisive.
Ivory Coast are expected to make life difficult with their physicality and midfield strength, yet Haaland’s finishing ability gives the Vikings a slight advantage in what should be a closely contested match.
Predicted Score
Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway
Predicted Result
✅ Norway Win
Final Verdict
This has all the ingredients of one of the most entertaining Round of 32 matches. Ivory Coast have exceeded expectations and will believe they can continue their historic run, but Norway’s attacking firepower may ultimately prove too much.
Expect a competitive contest with chances at both ends before the Vikings edge a narrow victory and advance to the next round.
Final Prediction: 🔥 Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway
