World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast vs. Norway Predictions

Ivory Coast vs. Norway Overview and Latest Odds

The latest World Cup odds have Norway listed as the favorites against Ivory Coast. The Elephants will be playing in their first-ever World Cup knockout match here, while Norway last reached the knockout rounds at the 1998 World Cup.

• Location: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, United States

• Date & Time: Tuesday, June 30th 1:00 PM ET

• US Broadcast: FOX Sports

For readers in states where traditional sports betting is not yet available, regulated US prediction market apps and sites provide a legal option. These platforms let users trade on event outcomes while drawing on the collective wisdom of the market to generate highly accurate forecasts.

Expert Betting Predictions and Best Bets for Ivory Coast vs. Norway

We’ve managed to identify two best bets for the game between Ivory Coast and Norway. These bets represent solid value following careful consideration and analysis.

• Tie (90 minutes)

World Cup knockout games can extend past 90 minutes if the scoreline is still level, often leading to teams taking a cautious approach early on. That means we see value on the tie for the moneyline market here. The two sides are evenly matched, and we think they’re closer in quality than what the current odds are suggesting. Norway has an elite-level attack, but Ivory Coast has multiple areas where they can hurt the Vikings. We expect the first 90 minutes to be close before one side accelerates into extra time.

• Franck Kessie 2+ Shots

Norway will be more than happy for Ivory Coast to have more of the ball in this one as they aim to hit quickly in transition. This could lead to the Ivorian’s having plenty of possession just outside of the box. Kessie is one of the more attacking-minded midfielders for the Elephants, and has already scored against Germany, registering two shots in that match. He’s had three shots over his last two games and is willing to shoot from range.

We expect Ivory Coast to win the midfield battle against Norway, which will leave plenty of gaps open in the central areas. With Kessie averaging over a shot per game in the Saudi Pro League for Al Ahli and Ivory Coast at the last African Cup of Nations, he has a history of taking plenty of attempts when given the opportunity.

Ivory Coast Betting Preview

This will be an exciting affair for Ivory Coast, as they embark on a historic maiden outing in the World Cup knockouts. The Elephants finished as runners-up in Group E to reach the Round of 32, picking up 1-0 and 2-0 victories over Ecuador and Curacao respectively. They came close to avoiding defeat against four-time winners Germany, but a last-gasp winner from Deniz Undav gave Die Mannschaft the three points and top spot in the group.

Emerse Fae has set his side up in both 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations so far at the tournament, and will likely revert to the latter against a strong European nation in Norway. That’s how they lined up against Germany, with forward Nicolas Pepe dropping to the bench, and Christ Inao Oulai slotting in next to Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare in the middle of the park.

Overall, Ivory Coast is a balanced side capable of controlling the play in moments of the game as well as being able to sit deep, absorb pressure, and play more direct. Their strength particularly lies down the wings. Yan Diomande, who is set to sign for European champions Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, have impressed so far.

Defender Wilfried Singo is a doubt after picking up a muscle injury against Germany. He was absent for the win over Curacao. If he’s unable to play, Guela Doue will be expected to feature at right back, while one of Ousmane Diomande or Emmanuel Agbadou will partner Odilon Kossounou at the heart of the defense.

Norway Betting Preview

It’s been a long wait for Norway for World Cup success, but they finally qualified for the finals this year after a 28-year wait. They managed to reach the knockouts in 1998, and they’ve replicated that this time around by reaching the first round of the knockouts here. The Vikings wrapped up their spot in the Round of 32 early after defeating Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2 in Group I, before heavily rotating their team for the final group game against France, suffering a 4-1 defeat.

Goals have been frequent at both ends of the pitch across Norway’s games thus far, with their aggressive attacking approach leaving them susceptible to getting hit on the counter. Head coach Ståle Solbakken will utilize a 4-3-3 system, with Alexander Sørloth drifting in from the right-hand side to form more of a two-striker partnership alongside the lethal Erling Haaland going forward.

Norway will look to play wide and get crosses into the box for their tall forwards in Haaland and Sørloth, while also making the most of their height to go direct. Tricky winger Antonio Nusa, dubbed the ‘Norwegian Neymar’, will be a key threat down the left flank. Their full-backs will look to push on and create overlaps to support their wide play, helping facilitate their quick breakaways.

Defender Julian Ryerson is an injury concern after being forced off against Senegal. He wasn’t risked for the France game, and remains a major doubt. That will likely see either Marcus Pedersen or Fredrik Aursnes slot in at right back.

How Ivory Coast and Norway Match Up Against Each Other

Ivory Coast and Norway have never met before in any format, adding another intriguing layer to this matchup. Due to both side’s lack of experience at this stage of the tournament, one consideration is that this could be a cagey game. However, that would go against how these two nations have performed at the World Cup thus far.

The key battles will be down the flanks. Fae will continue to utilize his strong wingers in Diomande and Dallo to create 1v1s and get crosses into the box or shots on goal. Solbakken also likes for his team to make the most of wing play and get crosses into the box, so we expect to see a fast, end-to-game game with rapid counterattacks. The Vikings’ midfield can get overrun, meaning the athletic and powerful Ivorian midfielders such as Kessie and Sangare will play a critical role.

Norway’s quick and direct attacking approach will leave space for Ivory Coast’s wingers to exploit, especially with their marauding full-backs looking to support the offense. The Elephants’ center-backs will need to handle the physical battle well against Haaland and Sørloth. They’re strong and fast defenders, but the Manchester City man can cause issues for anyone, and will need to contain his elite pace and power. Haaland has already scored four goals in two games this summer so far.