Ivory Coast and Norway have earned their place in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, but they arrived there in very different ways.
The Elephants had to battle until the final matchday to finish second in Group E, opening with a win over Ecuador before pushing Germany all the way in a narrow defeat. A comfortable victory over Curaçao then sealed their place in the knockout rounds.
Norway’s path was far more straightforward. Wins over Iraq and Senegal secured qualification with a game to spare, allowing Ståle Solbakken to rotate his squad for the final group match against France.
Although they lost to the group winners, Norway still finished second in Group I and head into the knockouts with confidence after an impressive start to the tournament.
That sets up an intriguing Round of 32 tie between two teams with plenty to prove. Norway have one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards in Erling Haaland, while Ivory Coast have shown throughout the group stage that they are organised, resilient and capable of competing with anyone.
There are no second chances from this point onwards. One team will keep their World Cup dream alive, while the other will be heading home.
How to watch Ivory Coast vs Norway
Ivory Coast vs Norway kicks off at 18:00 BST on Tuesday, June 30, at the Dallas Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on BBC One. Fans can also stream the game via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the United States, the game will be available on FOX or FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be shown on Telemundo and Universo, while Peacock will provide streaming options.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS. Select matches will also be broadcast on CTV, while streaming is available through TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
Ivory Coast team news
Emerse Fae is unlikely to make many changes after Ivory Coast secured qualification from Group E.
Ivory Coast have looked well organised throughout the tournament, and there is little reason to break up a settled side.
Amad Diallo should keep his place on the wing after causing problems during the group stage. Nicolas Pépé is also expected to start after his brace last time out.
In midfield, Franck Kessié will provide the experience alongside Ibrahim Sangaré. At the back, Ousmane Diomande is expected to marshal the defence as Ivory Coast look to keep Erling Haaland quiet.
Expected XI:
(4-3-3-): Fofana – Doué, Diomande, Kossounou, Konan – Sangaré, Kessié, Oulaï – Amad, Pépé, Diomande.
Norway team news
Norway rested several first-team players against France after sealing qualification with a game to spare.
As a result, Ståle Solbakken is expected to recall his strongest lineup for this Round of 32 clash.
Erling Haaland will return to lead the line after being rested in the final group match. Antonio Nusa and Sorloth are expected to provide support from the wide areas, while Martin Ødegaard will once again be the creative force in midfield.
Norway have looked dangerous going forward, but they will also know that a solid defensive display could be just as important against an Ivory Coast side that has grown into the tournament.
Expected XI:
(4-2-3-1): Nyland – Aursnes, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe – Berge, Berg – Ødegaard, Sorloth, Nusa – Haaland.
Ivory Coast vs Norway stats
- Ivory Coast finished second in Group E with six points.
- Norway finished second in Group I with six points after winning their opening two matches.
- Ivory Coast beat Ecuador and Curaçao but suffered a narrow defeat to Germany during the group stage.
- Norway defeated Iraq and Senegal before losing to group winners France in their final match.
- Ivory Coast scored five goals and conceded three across their three group games.
- Norway found the net eight times, with only France scoring more goals in Group I.
- Ivory Coast have scored in each of their three matches at the 2026 World Cup.
- Norway secured qualification with a game to spare before rotating several key players against France.
- Erling Haaland has scored four goals in just two World Cup appearances and returns after being rested in the final group game.
- Nicolas Pépé scored twice against Curaçao and heads into the knockout stage in excellent form.
- The winners of this tie will face either Brazil or Japan in the Round of 16.
Ivory Coast vs Norway prediction
Norway will start as slight favourites, and it is easy to see why. They secured qualification with a game to spare, scored eight goals during the group stage and have one of the world’s best strikers in Erling Haaland. If they create chances, they usually take them.
However, Ivory Coast will not make life easy. Emerse Fae’s side were competitive in every group match and pushed Germany all the way before losing by a single goal. They are well organised, strong in midfield and dangerous on the counter-attack.
That makes this a difficult game to call. Norway have more firepower in the final third, but Ivory Coast have shown they can frustrate quality opposition and stay in matches for long periods.
Both teams to score looks like a strong option. Norway have scored in every game at this tournament, while Ivory Coast have also found the net in all three of their group matches.
Norway to qualify is another market worth considering. Haaland’s quality could be the difference in a tight contest, even if Ivory Coast make them work for every chance.
A 2-1 Norway victory feels like the most likely outcome. Expect a competitive match, but Norway’s extra quality in attack could prove decisive when it matters most.
