Ivory Coast and Norway will face each other for the first time in history during the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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Both nations advanced to the knockout stage after securing six points and finishing as runners-up in their respective groups.
The Elephants progressed from Group E following victories over Ecuador and Curacao. The Vikings secured second place in Group I by defeating Iraq and Senegal.
Key Players Return for Norway
According to TNT Sports, Norway will welcome back striker Erling Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard to the starting lineup.
The duo rested during a final group match against France.
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Manager Stale Solbakken aims to guide the nation to its first World Cup round of 16 appearance since 1998.
Ivory Coast's First Knockout Qualification
Ivory Coast enters the match with its first-ever World Cup knockout qualification under manager Emerse Fae.
The squad relies on a disciplined defense that conceded only twice during the group stage, anchored by captain Franck Kessie.
Injury concerns persist for both squads. Right-backs Wilfried Singo of Ivory Coast and Julian Ryerson of Norway await fitness tests.
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Guela Doue and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen stand ready as replacements for their respective teams.
