Norway vs. Ivory Coast: Everything You Need to Know for Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Match
The FIFA World Cup knockout stage continues Tuesday with one of the more underrated matchups of the Round of 32 as Norway takes on Ivory Coast for a place in the Round of 16.
Norway returns to the knockout stage for the first time since 1998 behind one of Europe’s most talented squads, while Ivory Coast is back in the World Cup elimination rounds for the first time since 2006 after an impressive group-stage campaign. Awaiting the winner is five-time world champion Brazil, which escaped Japan with a dramatic 2-1 victory on Monday.
Match Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Norway vs. Ivory Coast |
| Round | FIFA World Cup Round of 32 |
| Date | Tuesday, June 30 |
| Kickoff | 1 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington, Texas |
| Capacity | 80,000+ |
| TV (U.S.) | FOX |
| Spanish TV | Telemundo |
| Streaming | FOX Sports App, FOX One, Fubo, Peacock (Spanish) |
| Radio | SiriusXM FC |
| Weather | Retractable-roof stadium; outside temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s, though indoor conditions should be ideal. |
Betting Odds
| Market | Odds |
| Norway Win | +105 |
| Draw (90 minutes) | +250 |
| Ivory Coast Win | +265 |
| Over/Under Goals | 2.5 |
Oddsmakers view Norway as only a slight favorite, making this one of the most evenly matched Round of 32 contests.
By the Numbers
| Category | Norway | Ivory Coast |
| FIFA World Ranking | No. 33 | No. 41 |
| Group Finish | 2nd (Group I) | 2nd (Group E) |
| Group Stage Points | 6 | 6 |
| Goals Scored | 8 | 5 |
| World Cup Best Finish | Round of 16 (1998) | Round of 16 (2006) |
Norway won its first two group matches before resting several key players in a 4-1 loss to France after qualification had already been secured. Ivory Coast recovered from a narrow defeat to Germany by defeating Curaçao 2-0 to clinch second place in Group E.
Players to Watch
Norway
- Erling Haaland — The Manchester City superstar has four goals through two starts and remains one of the favorites to win the Golden Boot.
- Martin Ødegaard — Norway’s captain and creative engine enters the knockout stage following a sensational club season with Arsenal.
- Alexander Sørloth — A physical striker capable of changing matches alongside Haaland.
Ivory Coast
- Nicolas Pépé — The former Arsenal winger scored twice against Curaçao to send the Elephants into the knockout stage.
- Franck Kessié — The experienced midfielder anchors one of Africa’s toughest midfields.
- Evan Ndicka — Expected to shoulder a bigger defensive role with Wilfried Singo unavailable.
Three Keys to the Match
Haaland’s finishing
Few players in world football are more dangerous around goal. If Norway creates chances, expect Haaland to capitalize.
Ivory Coast’s physicality
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken called Ivory Coast “the most physical team in the tournament.” Winning second balls and set pieces could determine the outcome.
Midfield battle
Ødegaard and Kessié headline a fascinating matchup. Whichever side controls possession should dictate the tempo.
Prediction
Norway 2, Ivory Coast 1
This feels destined to be decided by the stars.
Ivory Coast has the athleticism and defensive organization to make life difficult for Norway, but it’s hard to bet against a team led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Norway’s attack has been among the tournament’s most dangerous when its first-choice lineup is on the field, while the Elephants have shown they can frustrate elite opponents and strike on the counter.
Expect a physical, entertaining match with chances at both ends before Haaland delivers the decisive moment.
The winner earns a Round of 16 date with Brazil in what would be one of the marquee matchups of the knockout stage.
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