Ivory Coast v Norway: 2026 World Cup Prediction

Neither side are contenders for the World Cup title, but we all agree that the match Ivory Coast v Norway is a particularly interesting one. With several Premier League stars in the starting line-up, both nations will be battling it out to secure a place in the round of 16. Will it be Erling Haaland’s Norwegians? Or will it be the strength of Les Elephants that makes the difference? Read all about our prediction here.

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Ivory Coast v Norway preview

Both Ivory Coast and Norway impressed in the group stage, with both nations securing two wins to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Which country will be eliminated early on? And who will make it through to the last 16? We’ll tell you more about both teams.

Current Form & Team News

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast picked up six points and lost by the narrowest of margins to Germany. In particular, their 1–0 victory over Ecuador and their first-half performance against Germany showed that the Africans are a force to be reckoned with.

It is also clear that Ivory Coast are in good shape defensively. They kept a clean sheet against both Ecuador and Curaçao. Nicolas Pepe’s role was particularly noteworthy. The former Arsenal striker had a difficult year at Villarreal, but still led his team by the hand during the group stage. The same can be said of Franck Kessie, the captain and former AC Milan player. Will they make the difference against Norway too?

Norway

It’s a godsend for everyone in the world that Norway are back in the World Cup. After all, is a tournament really complete without the Premier League’s top scorer and the captain of the Premier League champions? Both Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland made a big impression in the group stage, particularly in the matches against Iraq and Senegal. Furthermore, both key players will be well-rested, having been given a rest in the 1-4 defeat to France. Will they make the difference for the Scandinavians?

Head-to-Head

There is nothing to say about the head-to-head record between Ivory Coast and Norway. The two countries have never played each other before.

Predicted line-ups

Ivory Coast (4-3-3):

Diaw, Diouf, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Diatta, P. Gueye, Ndiaye, I. Gueye, Mané, Jackson, Sarr

Norway (4-3-3):

Nyland, Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer, Ryerson, Aursnes, Berge, Ødegaard, Nusa, Haaland, Sørloth

Ivory Coast v Norway betting tips

Betting tip 1: Over 2.5 shots on target – Erling Haaland

Naturally, all eyes are firmly on Erling Haaland. He has already had nine (!) shots on target in his first two matches: four against Senegal and five against Iraq. We reckon that the multiple top scorer in the English Premier League will once again pose a threat against Côte d’Ivoire. We’re backing over 2.5 shots on target from arguably the best ‘number 9’ in the world. This gives you odds of 2.95.

Betting tip 2: Under 1.5 goals for Norway

It’s difficult to say who the clear favourite is in this match. Ivory Coast made a big impression against Germany and conceded just two goals in total during the group stage. However, the Norwegians have shown that they can score very easily, netting eight goals in three group matches. We therefore think Norway will score at least twice. If Norway score more than 1.5 goals, you’ll get odds of 1.90.

Prediction: Ivory Coast v Norway

** Final score: Ivory Coast 1–2 Norway **
We expect a closely fought match in which Norway’s individual quality will make the difference. We therefore predict a narrow 2–1 victory for Stale Solbakken’s side.