Expert Predictions, Odds & Injury News for Norway vs Ivory Coast
By Chris Amberley in Soccer News
Published:
- Norway and Ivory Coast meet in the Round of 32 today at the FIFA World Cup
- Ivory Coast has conceded just two goals all tournament
- Check out the expert predictions, odds and injury news for Norway vs Ivory Coast, below
The knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup brings a fascinating stylistic clash to Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. ET. Norway enters this Round of 32 matchup as the betting favorite in the World Cup game odds, looking to rebound from a 4-1 loss to France in its group finale.
That defeat needs context. Based on the lineup Norway used against France, Golden Boot odds contender Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard were not in the starting 11. Those two key pieces are expected to play today, meaning the European side’s true attacking ceiling is much higher than the France result alone would indicate.
They face an Ivory Coast squad that still fits the profile of a dangerous underdog. The Ivorians won two of their three group matches, relying on a disciplined defensive block anchored by midfielder Franck Kessie.
I still see value on Ivory Coast, but I am softening the strongest upset language. Norway’s defensive structure remains a concern, yet its tournament profile should not be treated as a clean full-strength sample. Below, I’ll breakdown the expert predictions, odds and injury news for the Norway vs Ivory Coast showdown.
Odds for Norway vs Ivory Coast
Prices from Kalshi on June 30, 2026. Get the Kalshi referral code to score a bonus to bet on the World Cup.
Norway enters this matchup as the slight favorite on the moneyline at +110 via traditional books, but the better underdog angle is the Ivory Coast advance price on Kalshi. In a knockout match, the extra paths through extra time and penalties matter more than forcing a 90-minute upset.
The betting markets have seen notable movement since the opening numbers were released. The opening handicap had Norway as a -0.5 favorite with -125 juice, but the line shifted to even-money.
As always, before making any wager on this tournament, check out the World Cup betting apps to shop for the best lines.
Expert Predictions for Norway vs Ivory Coast
When evaluating this Round of 32 clash in the printable World Cup bracket, the stylistic differences between these two squads remain clear, but the handicap needs more nuance.
My best bet is taking Ivory Coast to advance at +186 on Kalshi rather than the 3-way moneyline. Through three matches, Emerse Fae’s side surrendered just two total goals and boasts a 100% success rate in keeping first-half clean sheets. They have plenty of ingredients I look for when deciding how to pick World Cup underdogs, and their structure gives Ivory Coast a credible path to drag this into extra time or penalties. That is exactly why the advance market is preferable to a regulation-only upset ticket.
I am also adding Over 2.5 total goals at 52¢ (-108) on Kalshi. Ivory Coast’s defensive structure is strong, but Norway’s attack projects much differently with Haaland and Odegaard on the pitch. With Norway’s defensive transition issues still creating a path for Ivory Coast counters, this matchup has enough two-way scoring potential to clear the number.
Norway vs Ivory Coast Recent Form
Looking at their last seven matches across all competitions, Ivory Coast showcases incredible defensive stability compared to Norway’s erratic results.
Norway vs Ivory Coast World Cup Stats
The per-game metrics still flag Norway’s defense as a vulnerability. Conceding 2.33 goals per match is a concern, and allowing 1.33 first-half goals per game gives Ivory Coast a clear early-match target.
That creates an interesting contrast with Ivory Coast’s disciplined defensive block rather than a simple mismatch. The Ivorians rank tied for first overall in first-half goals conceded, having yet to allow a single strike in the opening 45 minutes of the competition.
Injury News for Norway vs Ivory Coast
Wilfried Singo is doubtful for Ivory Coast. The dynamic defender provides crucial athleticism and tactical flexibility. Missing a player of his caliber certainly tests their depth, putting more pressure on the remaining backline to maintain their flawless first-half defensive record.
Norway lists Julian Ryerson as doubtful. Their defensive unit has already shown vulnerability in transition, and this potential absence only adds another concern. Missing a primary defensive stalwart could widen gaps on the flanks, creating spaces that Ivory Coast will look to exploit.
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Sports Writer
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.

