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Cote d’Ivoire vs Norway at Dallas Stadium later Tuesday looks set to be one of the most intriguing Round of 32 ties at the 2026 World Cup.
The Elephants finished second in Group E with wins over Ecuador and Curacao despite a loss to Germany, and Norway qualified in similar fashion from Group I with wins over Senegal and Iraq despite a 4-1 thrashing by France, having rested several key players including Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa and Julian Ryerson.
Norway returned to the World Cup after a 28-year hiatus, just as Cote d’Ivoire entered the knockout stage for the first time in four attempts.
As both sides appear evenly matched, Emerse Fae’s side can advance to the round of 16 if they execute a clear plan.
Three keys to a Cote d’Ivoire victory:
1. Neutralise Haaland, win the transitions
Norway’s attack runs through centre forward Haaland, and sitting deep for 90 minutes won’t be enough. Cote d’Ivoire’s best route is to stay compact in a 4-2-3-1, force Norway wide, and spring quickly when they turn it over.
The Elephants have the pace out wide and a physical midfield base to do damage on the break.
If Seko Fofana and Franck Kessié can win second balls and release the wingers early, Norway’s high line becomes a liability.
2. Exploit set-piece dominance
Norway are a set-piece heavy team, but Cote d’Ivoire are equally dangerous in the air and from dead-ball deliveries.
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Centre-backs Evan Ndicka and Willy Boly must win their duels, and set-piece coach Guy Demel should target near-post runs against a Norwegian zonal system that can be exposed with movement.
With knockout margins this tight, one well-worked corner could be the difference.
3. Control tempo and stay disciplined
This is Côte d’Ivoire’s first knockout appearance, and that lack of experience could tell.
Norway will look to pin them back early in Arlington, and the Elephants cannot chase the game.
Keeping shape, limiting fouls in dangerous areas, and using Nicolas Pépé or Simon Adingra to isolate full-backs late should tire the Europeans and open space in the latter stages of the encounter.
The bottom line
The winner in Dallas advances to face Brazil at MetLife Stadium on July 5. That is the prize.
Norway have the individual star, but Cote d’Ivoire boast athleticism and a counter-attacking blueprint that can unsettle their opponents.
If the Elephants stay organised, hit Norway on the break, and are ruthless from set pieces, they can book a date with the five-time champions.
