Ivory Coast and Norway meet in a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday at 6pm (UK time).
Ivory Coast created history by securing their first-ever World Cup knockout berth. They advanced out of Group E as runners-up, recording a 1-0 win over Ecuador and losing a tight 2-1 contest against Germany before beating Curacao 2-0. Led by their robust midfield spine, the Elephants have proven to be an incredibly tough defensive nut to crack, but they now face their ultimate structural test in Texas against one of the tournament’s most explosive attacks.
Norway sailed through Group I as runners-up behind France, capturing the attention of the tournament with their relentless forward play. They opened their account by defeating Iraq 4-1 before edging past Senegal 3-2. Knowing their progression was already secure, head coach Stale Solbakken made wholesale changes for their final group stage game – a 4-1 defeat to France – meaning all of his key attacking threats will be completely fresh for this knockout fixture. While their goalscoring form is undeniable, the six goals they have conceded across three matches will be a major area of concern.
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Ivory Coast vs Norway team news
Ivory Coast team news
Emerse Fae is expected to revert to his strongest available starting lineup following the conclusion of the group stages. Yahia Fofana continues in goal behind a settled central defensive partnership of Odilon Kossounou and Evan Ndicka. Guela Doue and Ghislain Konan will retain their places at full-back, meaning Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande will likely settle for a place on the bench.
The midfield remains the strongest asset for the Elephants, with Ibrahim Sangare, Seko Fofana, and captain Franck Kessie forming an imposing, physical engine room designed to disrupt opposition build-up scripts. Up front, RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande lines up on the wing opposite Amad Diallo, while Sebastien Haller is tipped to spearhead the attack through the middle.
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Norway team news
Stale Solbakken will recall his heavy hitters after heavily rotating his side against France to preserve fitness. Sevilla goalkeeper Orjan Nyland returns between the posts. Kristoffer Ajer and Leo Ostigard will command the center of the defence, flanked by Julian Ryerson on the right and David Moller Wolfe on the left.
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard captains the team from his creative midfield role, pulling the strings alongside the deeper-lying Sander Berge and Patrick Berg. The big news centers on the forward line, as Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland returns to lead the line alongside dangerous Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa.
Ivory Coast vs Norway predicted lineups
Ivory Coast (4-3-3): Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan; Sangare, Kessie, S. Fofana; Diallo, Haller, Y. Diomande.
Norway (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Ostigard, Moller Wolfe; Berge, P. Berg, Odegaard; Bobb, Haaland, Nusa.
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