Preview: Ivory Coast vs Norway | Latest news, line-ups, absences (30/06/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Ivory Coast vs Norway in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup
Ivory Coast and Norway meet in Dallas on Tuesday in one of the most intriguing Round of 32 ties at the 2026 World Cup.
Emerse Faé‘s side reached the knockout stage for the first time in their World Cup history after finishing second in Group E with six points. Les Éléphants opened with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, narrowly lost 2-1 to Germany before comfortably beating Curaçao 2-0 to secure qualification.
Norway also finished runners-up in Group I after making a flying start to the tournament. Ståle Solbakken‘s men thrashed Iraq 4-1, edged Senegal 3-2 and, having already qualified, rotated heavily in a 4-1 defeat to France in their final group game.
The tie pits one of the tournament’s most disciplined defensive sides against one of its most explosive attacking teams, with Erling Haaland among the favourites for the Golden Boot after having already scored four goals in just two appearances.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
Ivory Coast have impressed with their defensive organisation throughout the tournament, conceding only twice in three matches. Veteran Nicolas Pépé rediscovered his scoring touch by netting both goals against Curaçao, while teenager Yan Diomande has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the competition.
Norway’s final group defeat to France came with Solbakken resting 10 regular starters after qualification had already been secured. Haaland is expected to return fresh for the knockout stages alongside the majority of Norway’s first-choice XI.
Ivory Coast
Emerse Faé has built a balanced side that combines physicality with pace on the counter-attack. Yahia Fofana should continue in goal behind the impressive central defensive pairing of Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou. Ibrahim Sangaré anchors midfield, while Pépé, Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande provide pace and creativity in attack. Wilfried Singo remains a doubt after missing the win over Curaçao, but otherwise Faé has few selection concerns.
Norway
After rotating heavily against France, Solbakken is expected to recall almost his entire strongest side. Erling Haaland leads the attack after his prolific group stage, with Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sørloth providing support. Kristoffer Ajer returns to marshal the defence, while captain Martin Ødegaard remains the creative heartbeat in midfield. There are no major fresh injury concerns reported within the Norwegian camp. The latest World Cup betting odds place Norway as favourites to win, although it will not be straightforward.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
Ivory Coast and Norway have never previously met in a senior international match, making this their first-ever meeting.
Predicted line-ups
Both managers are expected to field their strongest available XIs for this historic knockout encounter.
Tactical analysis: Can Ivory Coast contain Haaland?
This promises to be a fascinating stylistic battle. Ivory Coast have built their tournament on defensive discipline, compact shape and intelligent transitions, while Norway have attacked with freedom and scored eight goals despite resting key players in their final group match.
Much will depend on whether Ousmane Diomande and Kossounou can limit Haaland’s opportunities inside the penalty area. If Ivory Coast force Norway into crossing from deep rather than creating central chances, they have every chance of frustrating the Scandinavians.
At the other end, Norway’s aggressive full-backs could leave space behind them for Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande to exploit on the counter.
Key players to watch
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Few players have been more clinical during the group stage than Haaland. Four goals in two matches underline the Manchester City striker’s devastating form, and he returns fully rested after sitting out the defeat to France. Norway will naturally look to create early service into the box, making Haaland an obvious anytime goalscorer selection and a strong candidate to score first.
Ousmane Diomande (Ivory Coast)
The Sporting CP defender faces arguably the toughest assignment of his career. Strong in the air, quick across the ground and excellent in one-on-one situations, Diomande has been central to Ivory Coast conceding only twice in the group stage. If he can keep Haaland quiet, Les Éléphants have every chance of causing an upset. Given Norway’s aerial threat, backing Diomande to make multiple clearances could be worth considering.
Where to watch Ivory Coast vs Norway in the UK and Ireland
Ivory Coast vs Norway takes place on Tuesday, June 30 at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Texas.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast across the BBC and ITV World Cup schedule, with the final broadcaster confirmed closer to kick-off.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available through RTÉ’s World Cup coverage and RTÉ Player.
Market insights and betting tips
According to betting tips on Ivory Coast vs Norway places the Europeans as slight favourites thanks largely to Haaland’s outstanding form, although bookmakers expect a competitive knockout contest rather than a one-sided affair. Both teams have collected six points from the group stage, but they have done so in contrasting fashion: Norway through attacking firepower, Ivory Coast through defensive resilience.
The goals market remains finely balanced. Norway have scored in every match but have also conceded seven goals across the group stage, while Ivory Coast have kept two clean sheets and look well equipped to frustrate elite opposition. A Norway win combined with both teams to score could appeal, but this also has the feel of a match that may require extra time before a winner is found.
