Prediction: Ivory Coast vs Norway — Round of 32 of World Cup 2026
The thrilling round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place at the Dallas Stadium, where Ivory Coast and Norway will face each other. We find out strength, team news, and possible results.
Dallas Stadium will be the stage for a thrilling round of 32 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday, where Ivory Coast and Norway will meet.
Panghuhula: Panalo ang Norway Pinakamagandang odds: 11/10 Tagapagpusta: 888sport (https://www.soccernews.com/prediction-ivory-coast-vs-norway/401216/https:/www.soccernews.com/visit/888sport)
Ivory Coast Ivory Coast have made history by reaching the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time after they finished second in Group E. Emerse Faé led a team that enters the tournament in good form and the momentum continued with their opening win over Ecuador. Despite a test against Germany—where they were forced to bow out after two late goals by Deniz Undav—the team showed resilience in the final group game as they beat Curaçao 2–0 thanks to a Nicolas Pépé brace.
That result gave Ivory Coast second place and also showed an improvement in defence; they have three clean sheets in the last five matches.
Team News Ivory Coast looked balanced all over the pitch, with players like Pépé and Yan Diomande as threats in attack, while having a disciplined structure in defence. There is some concern at the back as Wilfried Singo is still a doubt due to a hamstring injury. If unable to play, Faé can rely on Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou in central defence, while Guéla Doué and Ghislain Konan will support the flanks.
With confidence boosted and history already achieved, the Elephants will enter the match with belief and momentum.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://www.soccernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/haaland-norway.jpg" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Norway Norway are returning to the World Cup after a 28-year wait, and their progress to the knockout stage is largely thanks to the outstanding form of Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has been descriptive in the tournament, netting two goals against Iraq and also two goals against Senegal which took him to a total of four goals in the competition.
However, Norway's performance was not always satisfactory. While they are strong in attack, there are still holes in defense — just one clean sheet in the last 10 matches and they were badly damaged against France in Haaland's absence. It shows the Vikings' reliance on their star forward as they struggle to create meaningful opportunities without him.
Team News There is concern at right-back as Julian Ryerson is doubtful after not attending training due to a thigh problem. If he can't help, the coach could move Fredrik Aursnes' position to the defense, opening up the possibility of Patrick Berg joining the midfield alongside Sander Berge and Martin Ødegaard. With Haaland once again leading the attack, Norway will rely on their exceptional counter-attacking and finishing skills to overcome defensive lapses.
Important Factors
- Ivory Coast's strengthened defense and their recent clean sheets could be key.
- Norway have a lot of faith in Erling Haaland, who has four goals in the tournament.
- The weakness of Norway's defense could be exposed against the fast and dangerous players of the Ivory Coast.
- The possible absence of Wilfried Singo will reduce security at the back of the Ivory Coast.
- Norway shows they lack attacking danger without Haaland.
- Both teams have strong attacking options, so there are likely to be many chances at both ends.
Conclusion The scene was complete for an open and exciting match: defensive balance and attacking threat from the Ivory Coast against Norway's direct attack that relied on Haaland. Although the Elephants showed more overall composure, Norway's clinical ability in front of goal could prove decisive in small moments. In what is expected to be a tight clash, Norway could advance after a narrow win.
Panghuhula: Panalo ang Norway Pinakamagandang odds: 11/10 Tagapagpusta: 888sport (https://www.soccernews.com/prediction-ivory-coast-vs-norway/401216/https:/www.soccernews.com/visit/888sport)
