Norway qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. They will aim for a spot in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 when they take on Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday at the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Côte d’Ivoire enters the match having beaten Ecuador and given Germany a real test during the group stage.
This is Côte d’Ivoire’s first World Cup appearance in 12 years, and the team has failed to go past the group stage before. Almost no one tipped Les Éléphants as a dark horse heading into the tournament, but Emerse Faé’s side has been fun to watch. A 2-0 win over World Cup newcomers Curaçao on Matchday 3 secured their spot in the knockouts as Group E runners-up.
As for Norway, manager Ståle Solbakken made wholesale changes for the France match after the team had already booked its place in the last 32 by beating Iraq and Senegal. The rotated side was hammered 4-1, with France’s Ousmane Dembélé scoring a first-half hat trick for Les Bleus, but Solbakken didn’t seem too bothered by the loss, given the circumstances.
Quick match details
Tournament: FIFA World Cup
Stage: Round of 32
Date: June 30
Kick-off Time: 1 p.m. ET / 10 A.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST & 10:30 a.m. IST
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, United States
Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway: Match Preview and Current Form
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast come in with the better momentum, having won two of their three group games. Norway, meanwhile, are looking to put a heavy defeat behind them, though that 4-1 loss to France is a bit deceiving.
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Under Emerse Faé, Côte d’Ivoire have looked organized and physically imposing. Striker Nicolas Pépé is in fine form right now, having scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Curaçao. Worth noting too: Côte d’Ivoire beat world number one France in a friendly earlier on.
World Cup Form: W-L-W
Norway
Norway, meanwhile, won all eight World Cup qualifiers with their strongest lineup. Erling Haaland has showed pure dominance so far as he has already scored four goals in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Still, defensive lapses are a real worry as they’ve conceded against Iraq, Senegal, and France alike.
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In their final group stage match against France, Manager Ståle Solbakken made ten changes, resting both Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard entirely. However, when Norway’s first-choice attack is on the pitch, it’s a different story altogether.
World Cup form: W-W-W
Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway : Team News and Injury Updates
Côte d’Ivoire will be without Wilfried Singo due to a hamstring injury sustained against Germany, with Guela Doué expected to start at right-back. Amad Diallo is a minor doubt after being substituted at half-time against Curaçao, while Evan Ndicka has returned but his starting fitness is monitored. Emerse Faé’s side is likely to line up in a 4-3-3 with Yahia Fofana in goal, a back four featuring Doué, Kossounou, Ousmane Diomande and Ghislain Konan, and an attacking trio including Nicolas Pépé and Yan Diomande.
Norway are sweating on Julian Ryerson’s fitness after the right-back suffered a thigh injury against Senegal. With Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard fully rested after being left out against France, Ståle Solbakken is expected to name a strong side featuring Ørjan Nyland in goal and a forward line led by Haaland, supported by Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa.
Ivory Coast and Norway Probable starting XI
Ivory Coast Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Fofana
Defenders: Doué, Kossounou, Diomande, Konan
Midfielders: Sangaré, Kessié, Oulai
Forwards/Attackers: Amad, Diomande, Pépé
Norway Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Nyland
Defenders: Aursnes, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe
Midfielders: Ødegaard, Berge, Aasgaard
Forwards/Attackers: Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa
Also Read: Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway: Top Five Players To Watch In FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Clash
