Ivory Coast vs Norway Predictions and Betting Tips – World Cup 2026 Round of 32

29th June 2026

Two sides who scraped through the group stage with identical records now face off in a knockout clash that promises goals and drama. Ivory Coast vs Norway kicks off at 18:00 BST on Tuesday 30th June in the World Cup 2026 Round of 32.

Match Context

Both teams finished second in their groups with 6 points from two wins and a defeat. Ivory Coast edged it on goal difference (+2 to Norway’s +1), but the margins are razor thin. The Elephants’ recent form reads impressively – seven wins from their last ten, scoring 20 and conceding just 9. That defensive record stands out – less than a goal a game shipped across a decent sample. Norway’s record is more erratic with five wins and three draws from ten, but they’ve been prolific with 22 goals scored. The flip side? 14 conceded suggests real vulnerabilities at the back that Ivory Coast will look to exploit on the counter.

Key Stats

The Statz projections for this Round of 32 tie give Norway the edge – 12.61 shots to Ivory Coast’s 10.73, with 4.79 shots on target compared to 3.60. The projected scoreline sits at 1.15 – 1.51 in Norway’s favour.

Fouls could be a factor. Ivory Coast project at 11.75 fouls with 1.84 yellows, while Norway sit at 11.08 fouls and 1.74 yellows. Expect a physical, stop-start contest in the middle of the park. Norway’s corner count also projects higher at 4.61 to 3.83.

Players to Watch

Ivory Coast

Amad Diallo is the main threat, projecting 0.23 goals and 2.10 shots per game with 0.63 on target. He draws 1.41 fouls per game – a constant menace in the final third. Franck Kessie enforces in midfield with 14 fouls in his last 10 (1.40 per game) while chipping in with 0.18 projected goals from deep. Ibrahim Sangare adds steel alongside him with 3.23 projected tackles per game.

Norway

It starts and ends with Erling Haaland. He projects 0.71 goals, 3.77 shots and 2.09 shots on target per game – absurd numbers for international football. Martin Odegaard pulls the strings behind him with 0.28 projected assists, while Antonio Nusa is the wildcard – 2.08 shots per game and drawing a team-high 2.28 fouls. Defenders simply can’t stay with him.

Betting Angles

Both Teams to Score: Ivory Coast have scored in 9 of their last 10. Norway in 8 of 10. Both teams project over a goal each (1.15 and 1.51). BTTS looks strong.

Over 2.5 Goals: Combined projected goals sit at 2.66, nudging over the line. Norway’s leaky defence combined with Ivory Coast’s attacking quality suggests this won’t be a cagey affair.

Bet Builder – 4 Legs @ 3.42 (bet365)

Built using the Statz Bet Builder Tool:

Leg 1: Jens Petter Hauge 1+ Tackles @ 1.22
100% hit rate in his last 5 (avg 1.6 tackles/game). Projects 1.18 tackles.

Leg 2: Kristian Thorstvedt 1+ Fouls @ 1/5
100% hit rate over his last 5 (avg 1.4 fouls/game). Projects 1.00 fouls.

Leg 3: Parfait Guiagon 1+ Fouls @ 4/9
100% hit rate across his last 5 (avg 1.2 fouls/game). Projects 0.83 fouls.

Leg 4: Amad Diallo 1+ Shot on Target @ 8/13
80% hit rate in his last 5 (avg 1.2 SOT/game). Projects 0.63 SOT.

Combined odds: 3.42 (46/19) on bet365. Three of four legs hitting at 100% over the last five. Solid value.

The Verdict

Norway get the nod. The projections favour them across the board – more shots, more on target, higher expected goals. Haaland is a one-man wrecking ball and Odegaard’s creativity makes Norway dangerous from every angle. Ivory Coast have the defensive discipline to make it uncomfortable, but Norway’s firepower should tell. Back Norway to edge through in a game where both sides find the net. Norway 2-1 Ivory Coast.