The Ivorians won their qualification group, collecting 26 points in ten matches—just enough to edge out Gabon by a single point in a hard-fought race. Afterwards, the team reached the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations. Now, for the first time in their history, they’ve advanced past the group stage at the World Cup. Victories over Ecuador and Curaçao were enough to secure this achievement. They even led for much of the match against Germany but ultimately lost 1-2 after a disappointing finish.
Norway hadn’t featured at a major tournament for over two decades. However, last year they excelled in qualification, winning every game—including two victories against Italy. They also started the World Cup strongly: 4-1 against Iraq and 3-2 against Senegal, with Haaland scoring a brace in both matches. They finished the group with a 1-4 loss to France, but in that game, Erling Haaland and other key players were rested.
The African side averages two goals per match, conceding just 0.9 on average. The Scandinavians score 2.2 and concede 1.4 goals per match.
Previous Meetings: Ivory Coast vs Norway
This is the first ever meeting between these two national teams.
Both teams are eager to continue their tournament run and will fight hard for it. The “both teams to score” market looks attractive (odds – 1.85).
Ivory Coast vs Norway: Key Stats and Trends
Ivory Coast have won six of their last seven matches
50% of Ivory Coast’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.9
Norway have won three of their last five matches
90% of Norway’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 3.6
Ivory Coast vs Norway: Probable Starting Lineups
Ivory Coast play in a 4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Fofana – Opry, Ousmane Diomande, Kossonou, Due – Kessié, Sangaré – Yan Diomande, Pépé, Amad Diallo – Bony
Norway use a 4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Nyland – Wolf, Heggem, Ajer, Ryerson – Ørnes, Berge, Ødegaard – Nusa, Haaland, Sørloth.
