- 1 Cote d’Ivoire vs Norway: Historic showdown in Arlington for a place in the last 16
- 2 The Elephants want to impose their collective strength and discipline
- 3 Norway are banking on the return of their cyborg Erling Haaland
- 4 Probable lineups:
- 5 2026 World Cup prediction: Cote d’Ivoire vs Norway
- 6 First things first: a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information can change
- 9 Your responsibility
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the visuals
Cote d’Ivoire vs Norway: Historic showdown in Arlington for a place in the last 16 
Cote d’Ivoire and Norway meet on Tuesday at Dallas Stadium in a first-ever round-of-16 clash that promises plenty. Both sides earned second place in their groups the hard way, and both arrive with the same target: a spot among the world’s top 16. In a winner-takes-all tie, Ivory Coast’s collective know-how is set to be tested by the firepower of one of world football’s most ruthless stars.
The Ivorians head into this landmark game on the back of a strong group stage, beating Ecuador 1-0 and Curacao 2-0, while also turning in a very respectable display despite a 2-1 defeat to Germany. Norway, meanwhile, are back at the top table after 28 years away from the World Cup and booked their place from Group I with lively wins over Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2, before collapsing without their captain against France 4-1. The stage is set for a battle that should be one to remember.
The Elephants want to impose their collective strength and discipline 
For the first time in their history, Cote d’Ivoire have reached the knockout rounds of a World Cup, and Emerse Fae’s men are not planning to stop here. The Ivorian coach will, however, need to keep a close eye on centre-back Wilfried Singo, who missed the Curacao game with a hamstring injury. The good news is that the central pairing of Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou offers serious reassurance, both in the air and in terms of athletic presence.
Going forward, Cote d’Ivoire will look to a transformed Nicolas Pepe, full of confidence after his decisive double on the final matchday. He will be backed by the valuable Franck Kessie in midfield, whose experience and ability to break into the box could be key to unsettling the Scandinavian back line. With three clean sheets in their last five outings, the Elephants have a compact shape, happy to sit deep before striking quickly in transition and lifting the crowd in Arlington.
Norway are banking on the return of their cyborg Erling Haaland 
For the Vikings, reaching this stage confirms a long-awaited return to the big time for a whole nation. Coach Stale Solbakken faces a major doubt on the right side with Julian Ryerson’s thigh injury, which could force midfielder Fredrik Aursnes to drop back a line. But the big news is the return to the starting XI of Manchester City hitman Erling Haaland, who was rested for the last game against Les Bleus.
With a ridiculous return of 59 goals in 52 caps, the 25-year-old has already scored four times this summer and will be the main threat to the Ivorian defence. He should be fed by Martin Odegaard’s precise passes in midfield and Antonio Nusa’s pace on the flank. That said, Norway’s defensive record remains a worry, with just one clean sheet in their last 10 matches in all competitions. That is a flaw they simply have to fix if they want this run to continue.
Probable lineups:
Cote d’Ivoire: Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, O. Diomande, Konan; Sangare; Diallo, Kessie, Oulai, Y. Diomande; Pepe
Norway: Nyland; Aursnes, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berg, Berge; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
on MathODDS
2026 World Cup prediction: Cote d’Ivoire vs Norway
Cote d’Ivoire to qualify
This round-of-16 tie looks wide open and hard to call between two teams on very different paths. Norway have Erling Haaland, a one-man wrecking crew who can settle any match with one flash of genius, but as a collective they are badly unbalanced. Too dependent on their attacking star and too shaky when the level rises, the Scandinavian defence could leave huge gaps for the pace and movement of the Ivorian forwards, especially a Nicolas Pepe in top form.
By contrast, Emerse Fae’s Cote d’Ivoire give off a far stronger sense of balance, control and maturity. Solid at the back through the Kossounou-Diomande partnership and well led in midfield by Franck Kessie, the Elephants have the tactical and physical tools to starve Haaland of service and frustrate the Norwegian unit. More complete, more secure and more accustomed to high-level knockout football, Cote d’Ivoire have every chance of overwhelming the Vikings and making history by reaching the last 16.
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