Haaland Returns for Norway's Knockout Clash
Erling Haaland will be back in the Norway team today as they face Ivory Coast in the World Cup round of 32. The Manchester City striker missed Norway's final group match against France but is set to lead the line in Dallas.
Norway finished second in Group I after wins over Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2) preceded a heavy 4-1 loss to France, for which head coach Stale Solbakken surprisingly made 10 changes. Neither Haaland nor Martin Odegaard featured against Les Bleus, so should be well-rested for this knockout tie.
Haaland's Golden Boot Chase
Haaland scored twice against both Senegal and Iraq, taking his tally for the tournament so far to four as he features behind Lionel Messi in a star-studded race for the Golden Boot. Norway will also restore captain Martin Odegaard to their starting lineup, while Alexander Sorloth is also expected to return.
Ivory Coast qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time ever by finishing second in Group E. They secured wins over Ecuador (1-0) and debutants Curacao (2-0), but lost 2-1 to Germany after a dramatic stoppage-time goal.
Match Details and How to Watch
Ivory Coast vs Norway is scheduled for a 6pm BST kick-off today on Tuesday June 30, 2026, at Dallas Stadium. In the UK, the game will be televised live and free-to-air on BBC One, with coverage starting at 5.30pm BST. UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via the BBC iPlayer or BBC Sport website.
World Cup highlights are available on FIFA's official YouTube channel, along with the BBC iPlayer and ITVX app.
Team News
Nicolas Pepe was restored to the Ivory Coast starting lineup by Emerse Fae against Curacao and rewarded his coach with two goals. He should start again here, alongside Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande. Right-back Wilfried Singo missed the Curacao match and looks set to be sidelined again.
Norway left-back Julian Ryerson was injured against Senegal and will not play on Tuesday. The planned absences of Haaland and Odegaard against France means they have rested for a week between games.
Prediction and Head-to-Head
We expect an entertaining and dramatic game - one likely to be decided by Haaland, who has looked as deadly as usual at this tournament so far. He should add to his four-goal tally and put Norway through to the last 16. Pepe, Amad and Diomande are likely to hit back plenty, but the Ivorians' defence may let them down in the end. Norway to win, 4-2.
These two nations have never played each other before in a senior men's international.
Match Odds
Ivory Coast to win: 13/5, Norway to win: 11/10, Draw: 12/5. Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change). Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly.
