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World Cup preview: Ivory Coast and Norway battle for last-16 spot
30th June, 2026 05:56 PM
Ivory Coast and Norway will square off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Dallas Stadium, with both nations hoping to extend their impressive campaigns by securing a place in the last 16.
The Ivorians earned qualification after finishing second in Group E behind Germany, while Norway also advanced as runners-up, ending behind France in Group I.
Match preview
Ivory Coast are enjoying a historic tournament, having reached the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time. Coach Emerse Fae’s team now hopes to make that achievement count by progressing even further.
Les Elephants entered the competition in excellent form after winning four straight matches before opening their World Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
Their second group fixture proved more difficult as they surrendered an early advantage against Germany. Franck Kessie put the African side ahead before substitute Deniz Undav struck twice to hand the Europeans a comeback victory.
Despite the defeat, Ivory Coast produced an encouraging display against one of the tournament favourites, giving them confidence ahead of their meeting with Norway.
They secured qualification by defeating World Cup newcomers Curacao 2-0 in their final group match, thanks to a Nicolas Pepe brace.
That victory also highlighted the team’s defensive improvement, with Fae’s side recording three clean sheets in their last five matches. If attackers such as Pepe and Yan Diomande continue to impress, Ivory Coast will pose a significant threat at both ends of the pitch.
Norway, meanwhile, are making their first World Cup appearance since France 1998 and have relied heavily on the goals of Erling Haaland to reach the knockout stage.
The Manchester City striker netted twice in a 4-1 opening victory over Iraq before repeating the feat in a thrilling 3-2 win against Senegal. His four goals at the tournament have taken his remarkable international tally to 59 goals in just 52 appearances.
Although Norway have not consistently dominated opponents, Haaland’s clinical finishing has made the difference. His absence against France in the final group game was evident as the Vikings suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat.
Defensively, Norway have struggled for consistency, managing only one clean sheet in their previous 10 matches. That vulnerability could offer Ivory Coast opportunities despite the European side’s attacking quality.
Team news
Ivory Coast may again be without defender Wilfried Singo, who remains doubtful with a hamstring injury after missing the win over Curacao.
Should he fail to recover in time, Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou are expected to continue in central defence, with Guela Doue and Ghislain Konan occupying the full-back positions.
Norway also have a fitness concern involving right-back Julian Ryerson, who missed training because of a thigh problem.
If Ryerson is unavailable, Fredrik Aursnes could shift into defence, allowing Patrick Berg to join Martin Odegaard and Sander Berge in midfield.
Haaland is expected to spearhead Norway’s attack once again as he looks to add to his four World Cup goals and guide his nation into the round of 16.
Probable lineups
Ivory Coast: Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, O. Diomande, Konan; Sangare; Diallo, Kessie, Oulai, Y. Diomande; Pepe.
Norway: Nyland; Aursnes, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berg, Berge; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
