Ivory Coast vs Norway Prediction, Odds & Best Bet for 2026 World Cup Round of 32

Dallas Stadium plays host to one of the most unpredictable Round of 32 games on Tuesday, June 30, as Ivory Coast take on Norway for a place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

The winner of Tuesday’s Round of 32 clash between Ivory Coast and Norway will face either five-time world champions Brazil or Japan in New Jersey on July 5.

The Elephants have reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history after finishing second behind Germany in Group E, while Norway are back on football’s biggest stage for the first time since France 1998 and are determined to make the most of their long-awaited return.

The Vikings boast one of the tournament’s deadliest finishers in Erling Haaland, while Ivory Coast arguably look more balanced across the pitch and have demonstrated they can compete against elite opposition despite their defeat to Germany.

Head-to-Head Stats (H2H: Ivory Coast vs Norway)

Tuesday’s last-32 tie will be the first-ever international meeting between Ivory Coast and Norway.

The Africans qualified as runners-up in Group E after victories over Ecuador and Curacao, while Norway also finished second in Group I despite winning their opening two matches before suffering a heavy defeat to France in the group finale.

The Vikings scored eight goals on American soil already, largely thanks to Erling Haaland’s remarkable finishing, while Ivory Coast impressed with their defensive structure, keeping two clean sheets in three World Cup matches so far.

Ivory Coast: 2026 World Cup Form and Team News

Emerse Fae continues to build on the confidence generated by Ivory Coast’s memorable Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2024.

Despite their AFCON quarter-final exit this year, The Elephants entered the World Cup on a three-match winning streak (a run that includes wins over South Korea, Scotland and most impressively – France) and carried that momentum into their opening victory over Ecuador before producing an encouraging display against Germany in Toronto.

Although they eventually lost 2-1 after Deniz Undav’s second-half brace overturned Franck Kessie’s opener, Ivory Coast proved they can compete with one of Europe’s strongest sides.

Their final group match saw Nicolas Pepe score twice in a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curacao, sealing a historic place in the knockout rounds.

Ivory Coast continue to look well organized defensively, while their pace in transition could become a major weapon against Norway’s vulnerable backline.

Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pepe all possess the pace to exploit space behind Norway’s defenders, something France and Senegal were also able to do at various stages during the group phase.

There remains one injury concern surrounding versatile defender Wilfried Singo, who is still recovering from a hamstring problem and remains doubtful. Should he fail to recover in time, either Emmanuel Agbadou or Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou are expected to continue in central defense, while Christopher Opéri should continue as a full-back.

Norway: 2026 World Cup Form and Team News

Many would state that Norway’s return to the World Cup has revolved around one man. Erling Haaland has scored four goals in just two appearances, producing braces against both Iraq and Senegal before being rested against France once qualification had already been secured.

Without their superstar striker, the Vikings looked considerably less threatening and suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Didier Deschamps’ side. That result also highlighted Norway’s biggest concern entering the knockout rounds.

Stale Solbakken’s team have managed just one clean sheet in their last 10 internationals, and while their attacking talent continues to compensate for defensive shortcomings, those weaknesses become increasingly dangerous once knockout football begins.

Julian Ryerson remains a doubt after missing training with a thigh problem. Should the Borussia Dortmund defender fail to recover, Fredrik Aursnes could once again drop into the back line, allowing Patrick Berg to partner Martin Odegaard and Sander Berge in midfield.

Everything, however, ultimately revolves around Haaland. The Manchester City striker has now scored an astonishing 59 goals in just 52 international appearances and arrives in Dallas among the leading contenders for the tournament’s Golden Boot.

One player who particularly impressed in the France game is Thelo Aasgaard. However, the Rangers midfielder may have to settle for a place on the bench, though his ability could be used late in the game. Jorgen Strand Larsen and Oscar Bobb are also pushing for starts here, though the Norway boss would be reluctant to change his established frontline of Haaland, Nusa and Sorloth in this do-or-die game.

Possible Starting Lineups of Ivory Coast and Norway

Ivory Coast: Yahia Fofana – Guela Doue, Odilon Kossounou, Ousmane Diomande, Ghislain Konan – Ibrahim Sangare, Franck Kessie – Amad Diallo, Nicolas Pepe, Yan Diomande – Ange-Yoan Bonny. (4-1-4-1)

Norway: Orjan Nyland – Fredrik Aursnes, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe – Martin Odegaard, Patrick Berg, Sander Berge – Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa. (4-3-3)

Ivory Coast vs Norway Betting Odds and Prediction

Norway enter the Round of 32 as +100 favorites to win the game after regular time, while Ivory Coast are priced at +265 and the draw is available at +260 with EveryGame.

Well, the World Cup last-32 match between Ivory Coast and Norawy promises to be a fascinating battle between the Vikings’ attacking efficiency and Ivory Coast’s pace, athleticism and solid defensive organization. It truly feels like one of the most difficult knockout ties to predict.

Norway have already demonstrated that they can overcome one of Africa’s strongest sides after edging Senegal in a crucial group-stage encounter that virtually secured their passage into the knockout rounds. However, Stale Solbakken’s men were far from comfortable, surviving a tense finish after Senegal pushed relentlessly in the closing stages.

Ivory Coast present a different kind of challenge. Emerse Fae’s side are generally more compact and disciplined than Senegal, relying less on constant attacking pressure and more on quick transitions through the pace of Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pepe, plus strong work rate from midfielders Sangare and skipper Kessie. Norway may therefore enjoy more possession than they did against Senegal, but any lapse in concentration could be punished immediately.

Ivory Coast arguably possess the more balanced team and should create opportunities through the pace of Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande against a Norwegian defense that has looked vulnerable throughout the tournament.

However, Norway have the ultimate difference-maker, backed by tons of talent elsewhere. Erling Haaland has repeatedly demonstrated that he needs very few chances to decide games, and his -143 Anytime Goalscorer price reflects the outstanding form he has shown in North America so far.

All in all, Norway’s attacking quality almost guarantees opportunities, while their defensive record strongly suggests Ivory Coast can also find the net, at least once.

For those seeking greater value, Norway or Draw (X2) & Over 2.5 Goals (+135) stands out as an attractive betting pick. Tuesday’s clash at the Dallas Stadium has all the ingredients of one of the most entertaining Round of 32 matches.

Ivory Coast certainly possess the attacking weapons to trouble Norway’s vulnerable defence, but with Erling Haaland leading the line, the Vikings always have the ability to turn half-chances into decisive moments and ultimately outscore their opponents.

A similar betting pick served us well in Norway’s group-stage victory over Senegal. On that occasion, we backed Norway or Draw (1X) & Over 2.5 Goals, anticipating an open game between two attack-minded teams. Norway established a two-goal cushion before Senegal reduced the deficit deep into stoppage time, while Haaland also justified his Anytime Goalscorer selection.

Ivory Coast vs Norway Best Bet: Norway or Draw (X2) and Over 2.5 Goals +135 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units