Norway and Ivory Coast meet in World Cup last 32 with Brazil showdown next

Group stage form

Both sides finished second in their groups after strong opening phases. Ivory Coast collected six points in Group E, level with Germany, thanks to wins over Ecuador and Curaçao. A narrow 2-1 defeat to the Germans, sealed by a Deniz Undav double, was the only blemish. Norway matched that six-point tally in Group I, beating Senegal and Iraq before a heavily rotated side fell 4-1 to France.

Norway’s rotated squad

After securing progression, coach Ståle Solbakken made ten changes against France to rest his starters. That decision left top scorer Erling Haaland, who struck four times in his first two matches, and captain Martin Ødegaard on the bench. Solbakken has now recalled his stars, though full-back Julian Ryerson is ruled out through injury.

Key players

Ivory Coast’s attacking threat runs through RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomandé, Manchester United forward Amad Diallo and midfielder Franck Kessié. Norway will look to Haaland and Ødegaard to unlock the Elephants’ defence, with Alexander Sørloth also returning to the starting eleven.

Historic stakes

This is Ivory Coast’s first appearance in a World Cup knockout tie. Norway, meanwhile, are back in the last 32 for the first time since 1998. The winner advances to face Brazil, who edged Japan 2-1 in their own round-of-32 contest on Monday.