Ivory Coast Set Up Round of 32 Clash With Norway at 2026 FWC

Ivory Coast will face Norway in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both nations secured second-place finishes in their respective groups. 

The knockout clash is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, at AT&T Stadium, with a place in the last 16 at stake.

The Elephants booked their spot after finishing as runners-up in Group E, while Norway advanced from Group I despite suffering a 4-1 defeat to France in their final group-stage match. 

Ousmane Dembélé starred for the French side with a first-half hat-trick, while Désiré Doué added a late fourth goal. 

Théo Aasgaard scored Norway's only goal, and Jørgen Strand Larsen missed a second-half penalty that could have reduced the deficit.

France completed a perfect group-stage campaign with nine points to finish top of Group I, while Norway claimed second place with six points to secure qualification. 

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, advanced after an impressive group-stage campaign and will now look to continue their historic World Cup run against the Scandinavian side.