Ivory Coast's compact, defensively sound approach — two clean sheets from three group games and only 0.7 goals conceded per match — meets a Norway side that is thrillingly chaotic, scoring eight but leaking seven in their three outings. The core contest is the Ivorian low-block against Norway’s relentless attacking talent, spearheaded by an in-form Erling Haaland. Norway’s xG of over 2.1 per game signals they will create openings, but Ivory Coast’s organised spine, led by Kessié and the centre-backs, will look to frustrate and counter through the pace of Adingra and Pépé. This being knockout football, the first goal is critical — if Norway strike early, it could open up, but Ivory Coast will back their structure to keep it tight and force errors on the break.
Norway have scored eight goals in three games and carry a consistent xG threat (2.1 per match) that Ivory Coast's limited 1.3 goals-per-game output will struggle to match over 90 minutes.
Norway have conceded in every group game (2.3 per match) but carry enough firepower to edge a tight knockout tie. A 2-1 scoreline reflects both teams' tendencies: Norwegian scoring power and Ivorian resilience getting on the board.
Norway's record shows no clean sheets and seven goals conceded, while Ivory Coast have scored in all three group matches. Both defences are vulnerable, making goals at both ends highly probable.
High-confidence forecasts have landed 74% of the time this season, over 2,080 graded calls. Track record →
Also in Round of 32
Ivory Coast
1.49xG
14 shots · 5 on target
Norway
1.90xG
9 shots · 4 on target
Erling HaalandGoal
86' · Norway
Key Moments
Ivory Coast
FWD · 30' · 1 goal · 1 key pass · 2 shots (2 on target)
MID · 90' · 1 key pass · 1 shot
1
MID · 89' · 1 key pass · 1 shot
DEF · 90' · 3 shots (1 on target)
DEF · 90'
Norway
GK · 90'
MID · 90' · 1 assist · 2 key passes
FWD · 90' · 1 goal · 1 key pass · 2 shots (2 on target)
DEF · 90'
MID · 90' · 1 assist · 1 key pass
20
7
17
18
11
26
8
19
9Ivory Coast
Coach: Emerse Fae
Norway
Coach: Stale Solbakken
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Germany | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| 2 | Ivory Coast | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 |  Ecuador | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 |  |
| 3 |
| -8 |
| 1 |
| 1 |  France | 3 | 8 | 9 |
| 2 | Norway | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| 3 |  Senegal | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 |  Iraq | 3 | -11 | 0 |
