Ivory Coast vs Norway: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | World Cup 2026

Ivory Coast vs Norway prediction: Les Elephants meet the Vikings in a fascinating World Cup 2026 last-32 tie, with Ivory Coast chasing more history and Norway relying on elite finishing power.

Match Details

Match Preview with Interesting Fact

Ivory Coast and Norway meet at Dallas Stadium in an intriguing World Cup 2026 round-of-32 tie between two sides with different types of momentum.

Ivory Coast have already made history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Emerse Faé’s side finished second behind Germany in Group E after beating Ecuador and Curaçao, while also competing well in defeat against Germany.

Norway progressed as Group I runners-up behind France, with Erling Haaland playing the decisive role in their two wins before being rested in the heavy defeat to Les Bleus. The Vikings are back at a World Cup for the first time in 28 years and now have a major chance to reach the last 16.

This tie looks like one of the most balanced matches of the last 32. Ivory Coast have pace, physicality and growing defensive belief. Norway have one of the most ruthless finishers in world football and a creative midfield capable of feeding him.

The interesting fact is that Ivory Coast are playing in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, while Norway are appearing at their first World Cup since 1998. For both nations, this is a rare and emotional knockout opportunity.

Ivory Coast Team Analysis

Ivory Coast enter this match with belief and emotional momentum. Their 1-0 win over Ecuador on matchday one set the tone, and Nicolas Pépé’s double against Curaçao secured the historic knockout breakthrough.

The defeat to Germany still showed encouraging signs. Franck Kessié gave Ivory Coast the lead, and they remained competitive against a side filled with elite attacking talent before eventually losing 2-1.

Faé’s team have also shown defensive resilience, keeping three clean sheets in their last five matches. If Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou hold firm at centre-back, Ivory Coast have the structure to frustrate Norway.

Going forward, Pépé, Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo give Les Elephants speed, unpredictability and direct threat. Ibrahim Sangaré and Kessié should be important in midfield, especially when the game becomes physical.

Norway Team Analysis

Norway’s World Cup campaign has been defined by the finishing of Erling Haaland. He scored twice against Iraq and twice again against Senegal, taking his international record to an extraordinary level.

When Haaland was rested against France, Norway looked blunt and were beaten 4-1. That result underlined how heavily they depend on his presence, movement and penalty-box ruthlessness.

Martin Ødegaard remains the creative hub. His passing, tempo control and ability to find the right angle into Haaland will be central to Norway’s hopes. Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa also provide attacking options around the main striker.

The main concern is defensive. Norway have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 matches, and Ivory Coast have enough pace to punish gaps, especially in transition.

Head-to-Head & Tournament Context

This match has the feel of a milestone fixture for both countries. Ivory Coast are trying to prove that their first knockout qualification is only the beginning, while Norway want to turn their long-awaited return to the World Cup into a deep run.

Les Elephants have already shown they can compete with major football nations, especially in their performance against Germany. Norway, meanwhile, have been less consistent but possess the individual finishing quality that can decide tight knockout games.

The winner will move into the last 16, where the difficulty level rises again. That makes this tie both a major opportunity and a pressure match.

Tactical Battle & Key Matchups

The key matchup is Ivory Coast’s centre-backs against Haaland. Kossounou and Ousmane Diomande must stay compact, avoid giving him space between them and defend crosses with total concentration.

Norway will try to feed Haaland early, especially through Ødegaard and Nusa. If they can create clean service, Ivory Coast may be forced to defend deeper than they want.

Ivory Coast’s best route may be wide transitions. Pépé and Yan Diomande can attack space behind Norway’s full-backs, while Kessié and Sangaré can help win second balls and keep pressure high.

Set-pieces could also matter. Both teams have aerial power, and in a tight knockout tie, one delivery may decide the match.

Injuries & Team News

• Ivory Coast: Wilfried Singo is a doubt after missing the Curaçao win with a hamstring injury.
• Ivory Coast: Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou are expected to start at centre-back.
• Ivory Coast: Guela Doué and Ghislain Konan should flank the defence.
• Ivory Coast: Nicolas Pépé is expected to start after scoring twice against Curaçao.
• Norway: Julian Ryerson is a doubt after missing team training with a thigh issue.
• Norway: Fredrik Aursnes may shift to right-back if Ryerson is not ready.
• Norway: Patrick Berg could join Sander Berge and Martin Ødegaard in midfield.
• Norway: Erling Haaland is expected to return after being rested against France.

Predicted Lineups

Ivory Coast predicted lineup (4-1-4-1): Fofana; Doué, Kossounou, O Diomande, Konan; Sangaré; Diallo, Kessié, Oulai, Y Diomande; Pépé.

Norway predicted lineup (4-3-3): Nyland; Aursnes, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Ødegaard, Berg, Berge; Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa.

Betting Tips

• Full-time result: Norway win.
• Both teams to score: Yes.
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals.
• Double chance: Norway or draw.
• Correct score: Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway.

Score Prediction

Goal.mu predicts: Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway.

Ivory Coast have the pace, structure and belief to make this a very uncomfortable match for Norway. Les Elephants can hurt the Vikings on the break, especially if Pépé and Yan Diomande find space. However, Haaland’s finishing gives Norway a decisive edge in a tight game. Expect both teams to score, but Norway’s clinical edge may be the difference.

Hot Stat

Norway have kept only one clean sheet in their last 10 matches, while Ivory Coast have recorded three clean sheets in their last five games.

Final Analysis

Ivory Coast vs Norway should be open, physical and emotionally charged. Ivory Coast are not simply happy to be here; they have enough talent to cause an upset and enough defensive organisation to frustrate Norway.

The issue is whether they can contain Haaland for 90 minutes. Norway have not looked flawless, but they have a striker capable of deciding matches from half-chances. That is the difference in this prediction.