- Erling Haaland is certainly the biggest name in this match, but is backing Norway the smart play?
- Our World Cup betting model is actually showing value on Ivory Coast to cover against Norway today.
- Continue reading for a full Ivory Coast vs Norway betting prediction, including a pick and World Cup odds.
Norway (2-1) and Ivory Coast (2-1) meet in the World Cup Round of 32 today at 1:00 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Norway is favored at a +110 price on the moneyline, with the over/under set at 2.5 (-120o / +100u) goals.
Let's get into my Ivory Coast vs Norway prediction.
Ivory Coast vs Norway Prediction
Pick: Ivory Coast +0.5 Asian Handicap
My Ivory Coast vs Norway best bet is that Ivory Coast will cover the +0.5 Asian Handicap. This bet cashes if the African nation either wins the match outright or secures a draw after 90 minutes of play.
Ivory Coast vs Norway Odds
| Norway Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 +110 | 2.5 -110o / -110u | +115 |
| Ivory Coast Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -135 | 2.5 -110o / -110u | +255 |
Ivory Coast vs Norway World Cup Preview, Betting Analysis
This match presents a fascinating tactical battle. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken made a calculated gamble by resting his key players, including Haaland and Ødegaard, in the final group game against France. While it resulted in a 4-1 loss, it means his stars will enter this do-or-die match with fresh legs, a potentially decisive advantage if the game extends to extra time. Expect Norway to deploy a 4-3-3 formation aimed at dominating possession and leveraging Ødegaard’s creativity to supply Haaland.
Conversely, Ivory Coast has relied on a disciplined 4-2-3-1 system under manager Emerse Faé. The double pivot of Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré provides a physical shield in midfield, designed to absorb pressure and launch quick counter-attacks. This strategy proved effective throughout the group stage, where they conceded just two goals in three games.
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations, adding a layer of unpredictability. Both teams are in somewhat unfamiliar territory, with Ivory Coast making its first knockout stage appearance and Norway aiming to advance past this round for the first time. Such high stakes often lead to tense, cautious affairs. Historically, draws have been a profitable angle in knockout stage matches since 1998, which further strengthens the case for Ivory Coast to cover the +0.5 spread.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Norway vs Ivory Coast picks.
Ivory Coast vs Norway Picks, Parlay
- Pick 1: Ivory Coast +0.5 Asian Handicap (-114)
- Pick 2: Both Teams To Score – Yes (-133)
There is significant value in backing Ivory Coast to keep this game close. The West African side has demonstrated its ability to compete against top-tier opposition, notably taking the lead against Germany before a stoppage-time goal denied them a famous result. They also secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Ecuador despite entering as underdogs. Having scored in all three of their group stage matches, their attack has proven it can create chances.
While Norway boasts one of the world's most formidable strikers in Erling Haaland, their defense has been a point of concern. The Norwegians have conceded seven goals in three matches and have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine games overall. Nine of their last ten matches have seen both teams find the back of the net, a trend that includes all three of their group stage games in this tournament. This defensive vulnerability opens the door for Ivory Coast to score.
However, Norway's attack is too potent to be silenced. With Haaland rested and returning to the lineup alongside creative force Martin Odegaard, they are almost certain to threaten the Ivorian goal. This combination of a high-powered Norwegian offense and a leaky defense makes a strong case for both teams scoring, while Ivory Coast’s proven resilience supports their ability to avoid defeat within 90 minutes.
Ivory Coast vs Norway Projected Lineups
Ivory Coast Expected Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Fofana
Defenders: Doue, Diomande, Kossounou, Konan
Midfielders: Sangare, Kessie, Inao Oulai
Forwards: Diallo, Pepe, Diomande
Norway Expected Lineup
Goalkeeper: Nyland
Defenders: Aursnes, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe
Midfielders: Berge, Berg, Odegaard
Forwards: Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
Ivory Coast vs Norway Weather
Played inside the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this match will not be impacted by weather.
