Ivory Coast vs Norway World Cup 2026 preview

Ivory Coast face Norway in the World Cup round of 32 in Dallas on 30 Jun 2026 at 13:00 EST (18:00 GMT). The winners will meet either Brazil or Japan in the last 16. Ivory Coast opened the scoring in all three group games, becoming only the second African nation to do so at a World Cup.

They edged Ecuador, suffered a stoppage-time defeat to Germany and beat Curacao 2-0 thanks to a Nicolas Pepé brace. Norway have supplied plenty of entertainment: their three matches produced 15 goals and a passionate travelling support, although Ståle Solbakken rested key players in the 4-1 loss to France.

A headline duel on the flanks will see Yan Diomande, the RB Leipzig youngster attracting transfer interest, up against clubmate Antonio Nusa on Norway's right. Erling Haaland is Norway's central threat, with Martin Ødegaard supplying most service; Atalanta's Kouakou Kossounou and Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande are among the defenders likely to track him.

ivory coast, norway, world cup, dallas, last 32, nicolas pepé, erling haaland, martin ødegaard, yan diomande, antonio nusa