Ivory Coast v Norway – predictions and odds – 2026 World Cup (30/06/2026)

The format of this 2026 World Cup has allowed nine of the ten African teams that qualified for the tournament’s final phase to reach the round of 32. One of the teams with a good chance of progressing further is Ivory Coast, who finished second in Group E after winning two matches and losing only to Germany. It won’t be plain sailing for them, as Norway have shown why they comfortably beat Italy in the qualifying phase: 6 points from 9 and also finishing second in their group after fielding a reserve side for the decisive match against France. On paper, this looks set to be one of the most evenly matched ties of this round. We’re expecting a cracking match with plenty of goals, with Nicolas Pépé and Haaland at their very best.

It’s well known that Emerse Fae’s side are a powerhouse on their continent thanks to their consistent ability to produce talent. African Cup of Nations champions in 2023 and knocked out in the quarter-finals of the 2025 edition by a formidable Egypt side, they boast top-class players competing in Europe’s top leagues. Beyond Nicolas Pépé, who is now 31, the new generation led by Yan Diomande (the RB Leipzig player put in a brilliant performance against Curaçao), Bonny (Inter Milan) and Amad Diallo (Manchester United) is a source of great excitement. These are players with excellent acceleration and a knack for scoring goals, which allows them to make a huge impact at their clubs. Rounding off a very strong squad are the experience of Kessie in midfield (now in Saudi Arabia) and the solidity at the back provided by Ousmane Diomande (Sporting Lisbon) and Kossounou (Atalanta). In short, on paper they have more than enough to reach the round of 16.

Stale Solbakken would disagree; not only does he have the most potent striker of the moment at his disposal, but he also has a host of world-class players to support him: Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa ensure that the team’s attacking responsibility does not fall entirely on Erling’s shoulders. That said, the Manchester City striker has made a huge impact on his World Cup debut: four goals in 180 minutes, and he was substituted in the third match. With that quality up front and a direct style of play that avoids too many detours on the way to the opposition’s goal, the Vikings face an opponent they might well get the better of. The Elephants aren’t exactly known for leaving little space, so it will be difficult to stop them.

In conclusion, both teams have their best players in attack and, furthermore, a penchant for playing the ball forward. We therefore expect an entertaining, evenly matched contest with both sides finding the net.