Ivory Coast and Norway meet in a World Cup round-of-32 fixture at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with a 6pm BST kick-off. Norway finished second in Group I after wins over Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2), followed by a heavy 4-1 loss to France, for which head coach Stale Solbakken surprisingly made 10 changes.
Haaland and Odegaard Return
Neither Erling Haaland nor Martin Odegaard featured against Les Bleus, so they should be well-rested for this knockout tie. Haaland scored twice against both Senegal and Iraq, taking his tally for the tournament so far to four, placing him behind Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot. Odegaard, Norway's captain, will be restored to the starting lineup.
Ivory Coast's Historic Knockout Qualification
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.
Where to Watch
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. Free highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with the BBC iPlayer and ITVX app. Standard Sport will provide a live blog on matchday.
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 is doubtful again. The Ivory Coast squad includes Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Alban Lafont, Emmanuel Agbadou, Clément Akpa, Ousmane Diomande, Guela Doué, Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Wilfried Singo, Seko Fofana, Parfait Guiagon, Christ Inao Oulaï, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Jean-Michaël Seri, Simon Adingra, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Amad Diallo, Oumar Diakité, Yan Diomande, Evann Guessand, Nicolas Pépé, Bazoumana Touré, and Elye Wahi.
Norway's planned absences of Haaland and Odegaard against France, plus Alexander Sorloth, mean they have rested for a week between games. Left-back Julian Ryerson was injured against Senegal and could miss out. The Norway squad includes Orjan Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander Tangvik, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, Leo Skiri Ostigard, Julian Ryerson, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, David Moller Wolfe, Fredrik Bjorkan, Sondre Langas, Henrik Falchener, Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Fredrik Aursnes, Patrick Berg, Kristian Thorstvedt, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup, Jens Petter Hauge, Thelo Aasgaard, Morten Thorsby, Erling Braut Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Prediction and Head-to-Head
We expect an entertaining and dramatic game, likely to be decided by Haaland, who has looked as deadly as usual. 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, but the Ivorians' defence may let them down. Norway to win, 4-2. These two nations have never played each other before.
Match Odds
Ivory Coast to win: 29/10, Norway to win: 1/1, Draw: 5/2. Odds via UK betting sites and subject to change. Gambling can be addictive; always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Advice and support is available from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.
