Norway vs. Ivory Coast Predicted Lineups: Starting 11 For World Cup Round of 32

The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage continues as Norway takes on Ivory Coast in a Round of 32 matchup with a place in the Round of 16 on the line.

Norway enters the knockout rounds as one of the most dangerous attacking sides left in the tournament, built around elite firepower up front and a midfield capable of feeding its forwards. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, will look to continue its rise on the international stage with another disciplined and dangerous knockout-round performance.

Led by stars such as Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Franck Kessie, and Nicolas Pepe, this matchup features two well-organized teams with plenty of individual quality. Norway will look to dictate possession and create chances through its midfield before unleashing its attack, while Ivory Coast will rely on defensive structure, pace, and attacking creativity in transition.

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Norway Predicted Starting Lineup

Norway is expected to field a balanced lineup built around defensive solidity, midfield control, and one of the most explosive attacking trios in the tournament.

Orjan Nyland starts in goal behind a back four of Marcus Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, and David Moller Wolfe. Ajer provides leadership and composure in central defense, while Pedersen and Moller Wolfe offer athleticism and width from the full-back positions.

In midfield, Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, and Fredrik Aursnes are expected to control the center of the pitch. Odegaard brings composure and vision in possession, while Berge and Aursnes add ball progression, energy, and attacking support.

Leading the attack are Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, and Antonio Nusa. Haaland remains one of the most dangerous scoring threats in world football, while Sorloth provides a physical presence through the middle and Nusa offers pace from the left side.

• GK: Orjan Nyland
• RB: Marcus Pedersen
• CB: Kristoffer Ajer
• CB: Torbjorn Heggem
• LB: David Moller Wolfe
• CM: Martin Odegaard
• CM: Sander Berge
• CM: Fredrik Aursnes
• RW: Alexander Sorloth
• ST: Erling Haaland
• LW: Antonio Nusa

Ivory Coast Predicted Starting Lineup

Ivory Coast is expected to line up with a technically gifted and disciplined squad capable of frustrating Norway and creating chances in transition.

Yahia Fofana starts in goal behind a back four featuring Guela Doue, Ousmane Diomande, Odilon Kossounou, and Ghislain Konan. Doue remains one of Ivory Coast’s most important players because of his pace, attacking quality, and ability to impact the game from right back.

In midfield, Ibrahim Sangare is expected to provide defensive cover and progression from a deeper role. Ahead of him, Amad Diallo, Christ Inao Oulai, Franck Kessie, and Yan Diomande give Ivory Coast creativity, technical quality, and movement between the lines.

Nicolas Pepe is expected to lead the line, offering pace and direct attacking threat as Ivory Coast looks to challenge the Norwegian defense.

• GK: Yahia Fofana
• RB: Guela Doue
• CB: Ousmane Diomande
• CB: Odilon Kossounou
• LB: Ghislain Konan
• CDM: Ibrahim Sangare
• MR: Amad Diallo
• CM: Christ Inao Oulai
• CM: Franck Kessie
• ML: Yan Diomande
• ST: Nicolas Pepe

Team News & Key Absences

Norway enters the Round of 32 with a strong core available. Ajer remains the leader at the back, while Odegaard, Haaland, and Sorloth give the Norwegians quality across all three lines.

Ivory Coast also arrives with several key players expected to feature. Doue and Konan provide experience from the full-back positions, while Diallo, Kessie, and Pepe will be relied upon to create attacking opportunities.

Both teams are expected to have the majority of their preferred starters available for this knockout-stage clash.

Match Outlook & Resources

Norway enters the matchup as a slight favorite thanks to its defensive solidity, midfield control, and elite attacking depth. If Odegaard and Berge are able to dictate the tempo, Norway should have ample opportunities to create chances through Haaland, Sorloth, and Nusa.

Ivory Coast has the structure and technical ability to make this a difficult match. With Doue pushing forward, Diallo drifting into dangerous areas, and Kessie providing creativity and energy in midfield, Ivory Coast has enough attacking quality to threaten on the counter.

With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, expect a tense and competitive knockout-round matchup between two teams capable of making a deep World Cup run.