FIFA World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast vs Norway Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineups & Prediction

Ivory Coast and Norway Battle for a Place in the Round of 16

Ivory Coast and Norway face off in an intriguing FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash, with both nations aiming to continue memorable campaigns. The Elephants have reached the knockout stage for the first time in their World Cup history, while Norway are determined to make the most of their first appearance at the tournament in nearly three decades.

Match Preview

Ivory Coast have enjoyed a historic tournament under Emerse Fae, progressing beyond the group stage for the first time ever. Carrying momentum from an excellent run of form before the competition, the African side have continued to impress with disciplined performances and strong defensive organization.

Les Elephants began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador before suffering a hard-fought defeat to Germany. Despite taking the lead through Franck Kessie, Ivory Coast were eventually beaten 2-1 after a second-half comeback from the European giants.

They responded in excellent fashion in their final Group E fixture, defeating World Cup debutants Curacao 2-0 thanks to a brace from Nicolas Pepe. The victory secured second place in the group and highlighted the team's growing confidence ahead of the knockout rounds.

Ivory Coast have combined defensive resilience with attacking quality throughout the tournament, recording three clean sheets in their last five matches across all competitions. If experienced players such as Nicolas Pepe and Franck Kessie continue to perform at a high level, they will be confident of troubling Norway.

Norway, meanwhile, are making their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998 and have relied heavily on the outstanding form of Erling Haaland.

The Manchester City striker scored twice in Norway's opening 4-1 victory over Iraq before adding another brace in a thrilling 3-2 win against Senegal, helping the Scandinavian nation secure qualification with two victories from their opening two matches.

However, Norway's momentum was halted in their final group game as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to France. With Haaland rested, the Vikings struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities and were comfortably outplayed by one of the tournament favourites.

Although Norway possess one of the world's most dangerous strikers, defensive inconsistency remains a concern. They have managed just one clean sheet in their last 10 matches, leaving head coach Stale Solbakken searching for greater balance at the back.

With both teams carrying genuine attacking threats, this promises to be one of the most entertaining Round of 32 fixtures.

Team News

Ivory Coast could once again be without defender Wilfried Singo, who remains doubtful after missing the victory over Curacao with a hamstring problem.

Should Singo fail to recover in time, Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou are expected to continue in central defence, while Guela Doue and Ghislain Konan occupy the full-back positions.

Franck Kessie will marshal the midfield, with Nicolas Pepe and Yan Diomande providing pace and creativity in support of the attack.

Norway also have a fitness concern over right-back Julian Ryerson, who has been managing a thigh issue. If he is unavailable, Fredrik Aursnes could move into the defensive line, allowing Patrick Berg to join Sander Berge and Martin Odegaard in midfield.

Erling Haaland is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested against France. The prolific striker has already scored four goals in the tournament and will once again be Norway's biggest attacking weapon.

Key Players to Watch

• Erling Haaland (Norway): Already with four goals in the tournament, Norway's superstar striker remains one of the biggest threats in the competition.

• Martin Odegaard (Norway): The captain's creativity and passing will be crucial in unlocking Ivory Coast's defence.

• Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast): Fresh from scoring twice against Curacao, the experienced winger enters the knockout stage in excellent form.

• Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast): The midfielder's leadership, defensive work and ability to control possession could prove decisive.

Match Prediction

Ivory Coast have looked organized and confident throughout the tournament, while Norway possess one of the world's deadliest finishers in Erling Haaland. The Scandinavian side arguably have the greater attacking firepower, but their defensive frailties could give the Elephants opportunities.

This has all the ingredients of a closely fought contest that could be decided by moments of individual brilliance.

Prediction: Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway