World Cup
2026-06-30 - Ivory Coast vs Norway
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32
AT&T Stadium – Dallas, USA
Tuesday, 30th June 2026 - kickoff 13:00 EST
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast have reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after an impressive Group E campaign.
Emerse Faé's side opened with a disciplined 1-0 win over Ecuador, pushed Germany all the way before losing 2-1 to a stoppage-time goal, then secured qualification with a confident 2-0 victory over Curacao thanks to a Nicolas Pépé brace. The Elephants finished as group runners-up with six points and plenty of confidence.
One of Ivory Coast's biggest strengths has been their depth. Faé has regularly changed personnel without disrupting the team's balance, while young substitutes such as Oumar Diakhité and Bazoumana Touré have made a real impact from the bench.
The squad looks organized and physically strong, with healthy competition for places helping maintain high standards throughout the tournament.
Norway
Norway have enjoyed an excellent return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, finishing second in a difficult group behind France.
They began with a 4-1 win over Iraq before edging Senegal 3-2 in one of the tournament's most entertaining matches.
With qualification already secured, coach Stale Solbakken heavily rotated his squad for the final group game against France, where Norway suffered a 4-1 defeat. The result mattered little, as several key players, including Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, were rested for the knockout rounds.
Haaland has been Norway's top performer, scoring four goals in his first two matches and putting himself firmly in the race for the Golden Boot. Odegaard continues to dictate play from midfield, while Solbakken's side have shown they are dangerous whenever they can attack quickly.
The only concern is whether Norway can tighten up defensively after conceding seven goals across their three group games.
The Betting Verdict
This has all the elements to be one of the closest ties in the Round of 32.
Ivory Coast have been compact, disciplined and difficult to break down, while Norway possess one of the tournament's most dangerous finishers in Haaland and enough creativity through Odegaard to create chances against any defense.
Norway arguably have the greater attacking quality, but Ivory Coast's athleticism and defensive organization should keep the contest competitive.
I expect a tight game and Norway to eventually qualify, though it might go to extra time. I believe the best bet here is taking both teams to score.
The Pick :
Ivory Coast 1-1 Norway
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take both teams to score: YES at odds of 1.80 at Cloudbet
