The match in one line
A physical, intense Ivory Coast against a Norway that pins all its faith on Haaland’s finishing and Ødegaard’s talent, in a knockout Round of 32 that promises an end-to-end battle.
Ivory Coast vs Norway prediction
Our Ivory Coast vs Norway prediction favors Norway with a 2-1 and medium confidence. Norway lead on the individual quality of Haaland and Ødegaard; Ivory Coast will compete with their physicality, intensity and danger in transition. It is a close tie that could well go to extra time. In the full report we compare the 14 most popular betting markets —who pays most on each— with exact probabilities and the reasoning behind every pick. This is informational analysis, not a guarantee.
Why Ivory Coast can pull it off
They’re not just anyone: reigning African champions (2024), with a physical, deep squad used to competing in knockout ties. With Singo’s power down the right, the flair of Pépé and Adingra and Kessié’s muscle in midfield, they can unsettle Norway’s build-up and hurt them in transition. If they neutralize Haaland and cut Ødegaard’s supply, they have enough to level it and force extra time, where everything evens out.
Possible lineups
We project Ivory Coast in a physical, wide 4-4-2, and Norway in a 4-3-3 that frees Ødegaard behind Haaland and Sørloth. We’ll confirm the XIs on matchday as soon as the federations release them.