After the final whistle, Drogba wrote on X, “Disgraceful, that penalty not called on Nicolas Pépé, pfffffff, what’s the point of VAR?!??!” His comments came after an incident involving Nicolas Pépé that was not ruled a penalty despite VAR being available.

Norway secured their place in the Round of 16 thanks to Erling Haaland‘s late winner in the 86th minute. With his fifth goal of the tournament, Haaland also surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo in all‑time World Cup knockout‑stage goals, and sent the Scandinavian side through to face Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Norway advance as Ivory Coast exit the World Cup

Norway’s victory came through three decisive moments. Antonio Nusa put his team ahead with a top‑corner strike in the 39th minute, and Amad Diallo, who didn’t start the match, later equalized with a sharp solo effort midway through the second half.

The match appeared headed toward extra time until the Manchester City striker Haaland calmly finished from close range to secure a 2-1 victory. The result sent Norway into the Round of 16, where they will face Brazil, while Ivory Coast’s historic World Cup run comes to an end.

Antonio Nusa opened the scoring in the first half with a superb finish from the left side. Amad Diallo, who did not start the match, came off the bench and scored a stunning goal in the second half to level the score.

Finally, Erling Haaland struck late to give Norway a 2-1 victory. With the goal, he also surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo in goals scored in FIFA World Cup knockout-stage matches.

What’s next for Norway?

With the victory, Norway became the first European team to reach the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Next, the Vikings will face Brazil, which advanced after eliminating Japan.

Both teams will meet in this crucial match at New York New Jersey Stadium (commonly known as MetLife Stadium) on Sunday, July 5, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM ET.

Ivory Coast’s World Cup dream comes to an end

Ivory Coast’s defeat to Norway brought its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign to an end. Despite reaching the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history, the Elephants‘ hopes of continuing their memorable run were dashed in Dallas.

The Manchester United youngster played a key role in his team’s opening match, scoring the goal that secured a win against Ecuador. Now, he will have to support from the bench against the Vikings.

Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela will officiate the match, where Norway’s future will depend on whether they win, tie, or lose against Ivory Coast. Can the African side continue to deliver surprises in this tournament?

Ivory Coast starting lineup vs. Norway

Looking to field a balanced side to counter the attacking threat of Erling Haaland and his teammates, these are the 11 players selected by Emerse Fae to represent the Elephants.

Yahia Fofana; Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Guela Doue, Emmanuel Agbadou; Franck Kessie (C), Ibrahim Sangare, Christ Inao Oulai; Ange-Yoan Bonny, Yan Diomande, Nicolas Pepe.

The expenrienced referee is no stranger to high-pressure matches. Over the past several years, he has officiated FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Copa America fixtures and CONMEBOL’s biggest club competitions, earning a big reputation.

Norway, led by Erling Haaland, enters as one of the favorites to advance in the Round of 32 at Dallas Stadium, while Ivory Coast is looking to continue its historic World Cup run after reaching the knockout stage for the first time.

What is Jesus Valenzuela’s officiating style?

Jesus Valenzuela is known for his calm, authoritative officiating style, preferring to manage matches through communication before resorting to disciplinary action. He has built a reputation as one of CONMEBOL’s most respected officials.

He has officiated many professional matches since making his debut in Venezuela’s top flight in 2013. His résumé includes multiple editions of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Copa Libertadores KO rounds and the FIFA World Cup.

He was also named the IFFHS World’s Best Referee for CONMEBOL in 2021. Although he is not afraid to show yellow or red cards when necessary, he generally avoids becoming the center of attention.

His approach emphasizes player management, preventative communication, and maintaining control without interrupting the rhythm of the match. That style should be particularly valuable in a high-stakes World Cup knockout contest.

Who are the assistant referees for Ivory Coast vs Norway today?

Jesus Valenzuela will be assisted by fellow Venezuelans Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno for today’s World Cup Round of 32 match between Ivory Coast and Norway. The officiating trio has worked together on many competitions.

Urrego and Moreno will be responsible for offside decisions, ball in-and-out calls, and assisting Valenzuela with fouls and misconduct occurring near their touchlines. Their coordination is especially important this type of matches.

The officiating crew is completed by Tomosuke Araki of Japan, who will serve as the fourth official, while Jun Mihara, also from Japan, has been appointed as the reserve assistant referee.

Who is in charge of VAR for Ivory Coast vs Norway?

Chilean Juan Lara will lead the VAR team for Ivory Coast vs. Norway, with Venezuelan Juan Soto as AVAR and English official Jarred Gillett as SVAR.

Throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, video review technology has continued to play a significant role alongside semi-automated offside technology, helping officials make faster and more accurate decisions in key moments.

The winner of Ivory Coast vs Norway will keep its World Cup dream alive and advance to the round of 16, adding even more significance to a matchup that features two teams looking to make history on the tournament’s biggest stage.

With Norway led by Erling Haaland and Ivory Coast making its first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout stage, the atmosphere should match the occasion as thousands of fans pack the stadium. The uniforms are set for Norway vs. Ivory Coast.

What is the capacity of Dallas Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Dallas Stadium has an official FIFA World Cup capacity of approximately 94,000 spectators for Ivory Coast vs Norway. The stadium will host nine World Cup matches, more than any other venue, including a semifinal.

Originally opened in 2009 as the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, the stadium was designed to accommodate massive crowds thanks to its retractable roof and expandable seating. While its regular NFL capacity is around 80,000.

It has already established itself as one of the premier soccer venues in North America. It has hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, Copa America games, international friendlies featuring teams such as Brazil and the United States.

What is the weather forecast for Ivory Coast vs Norway today?

Hot and humid weather is expected outside Dallas Stadium, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s Fahrenheit (around 33–35°C), although the match itself will be played in climate-controlled conditions inside the stadium.

Weather forecasts indicate another sweltering afternoon across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with high humidity making it feel even hotter. A heat dome affecting much of the central U.S. has prompted officials to encourage fans to stay hydrated.

Fortunately for both teams, Dallas Stadium’s retractable roof and air-conditioning system mean that the playing surface will not be affected by the outdoor heat. The controlled indoor environment has been one of the biggest advantages.

Despite the extreme heat expected outside the stadium, FIFA has weather-related protocols in place to protect players, officials and supporters. Tournament organizers continuously monitor temperature, humidity and more.

With Norway’s FIFA ranking updated ahead of today’s knockout match, it’s worth noting that the team secured qualification after winning their opening two matches, allowing head coach Stale Solbakken to rotate his squad in the final group-stage game against France.

With several implications if Norway win, draw, or lose against Ivory Coast today, the Scandinavian side will once again rely on their attacking stars, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, as they look to continue their impressive return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.

Ivory Coast also arrive full of confidence after making history by advancing beyond the World Cup group stage for the first time. The reigning African champions kept two clean sheets in three group matches, showcasing the defensive organization they hope will carry them deeper into the tournament.

What uniforms are Norway wearing today?

Norway will take the field wearing an all-white kit, featuring white shirts, shorts, and socks. The Norwegian goalkeeper will be dressed entirely in yellow. The match officials will wear black uniforms, while the ball attendants will be dressed in dark gray throughout the Round of 32 encounter.

What uniforms are Ivory Coast wearing today?

Ivory Coast will wear their traditional orange home kit, consisting of orange shirts, shorts, and socks with green accents. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana is set to wear a full dark green uniform. The team’s substitutes will wear olive green training bibs along the touchline during the match.

The Vikings, meanwhile, hold a slight edge over their opponents in the rankings. Norway currently sit 23rd in the standings, although it is well understood that those numbers even out once it’s 11 vs. 11 on the pitch.

Dallas Stadium will be dressed for the occasion as it hosts one of the most evenly matched games in this round. Several teams have already secured their place in the next stage, and both the African and Nordic sides will be looking to join that select group.

Ivory Coast’s road in the 2026 World Cup

During the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ivory Coast competed in Group E, kicking off their campaign with a crucial 1–0 victory over Ecuador thanks to a late 90th-minute goal by Amad Diallo. They followed that up with an intensive clash against Germany and wrapped up the stage playing Curacao.

Thanks to these performances, the Elephants successfully secured their ticket to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history, qualifying for the Round of 32, by finishing as one of the top teams in their group.

Led by star striker Erling Haaland, Norway climbed eight spots in the standings despite their recent defeat to France. Now sitting on 1,594.04 points, their position could still change depending on whether they win, tie, or lose their upcoming match.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast sit slightly below their Round of 32 opponent in the FIFA World Ranking. The Elephants are currently ranked 31st with 1,565.47 points after climbing two places in the latest standings.

Norway seek Round of 16 berth

Norway are aiming for a place in the upcoming stage, but the task will be anything but easy. In front of what is expected to be a packed Dallas Stadium, the Vikings must defeat Ivory Coast to book their spot in the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match is set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET, and if Norway advance, they will face Brazil in the Round of 16. That game is scheduled to be played at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 5, at 4 p.m. ET.

With Norway’s FIFA ranking updated ahead of their 2026 World Cup clash against Ivory Coast, They secured qualification after finishing second in Group I. The Nordic side opened with a 4-1 victory over Iraq, followed by a dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal, with Erling Haaland scoring twice in both matches. Norway then rested several regular starters in their final group game and suffered a 4-1 defeat to France, dropping to second place in the standings.

Ivory Coast also reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group E. The Elephants defeated Ecuador 1-0 in their opener thanks to a late goal from Amad Diallo, lost 2-1 to Germany, and closed the group stage with a 2-0 victory over Curacao. It marks the first time in the nation’s history that Ivory Coast have advanced beyond the World Cup group stage.

What happens if Norway win vs Ivory Coast?

If Norway defeat Ivory Coast, the Scandinavian side will advance to the Round of 16 and continue their best World Cup campaign in decades. It would also give Erling Haaland and his teammates their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match. A Norway win eliminates Ivory Coast from the 2026 World Cup.

Norway would then face Brazil in the Round of 16 on Sunday, July 5, at New York New Jersey Stadium. Brazil have already booked their place after defeating Japan 2-1 with a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

What happens if Norway and Ivory Coast tie?

If the score is level after 90 minutes, the match will move to extra time, consisting of two 15-minute periods. Should the teams remain tied after extra time, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout. There are no draws in the knockout stage, meaning one nation will advance while the other will be eliminated.

What happens if Norway lose vs Ivory Coast?

If Norway lose, their 2026 World Cup journey will come to an end despite an impressive group-stage campaign highlighted by Haaland’s goals and back-to-back victories to open the tournament.

An Ivory Coast victory would send the African side into the Round of 16 for the first time in its history, where it would take on Brazil for a place in the quarterfinals. Advancing would represent another historic milestone for a team already enjoying their best-ever World Cup performance.

How to watch Ivory Coast vs Norway in the USA

Viewers in the United States can catch the action live on FOX and Telemundo through traditional cable and satellite providers.

The game will also stream on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium. Don’t miss this thrilling matchup.

Can I watch Ivory Coast vs Norway for free?

Fans in the United States can watch this anticipated clash live on Fubo and DirecTV Stream, with both offering eligible new users a free five-day trial.

Available nationwide, both services allow viewers to follow every key moment from the opening whistle to the final result.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

A Round of 16 spot is on the line as Norway and Ivory Coast meet in a high-stakes knockout clash between two teams that impressed in group play.

Norway finished second in its group despite a loss to France in the finale, with Erling Haaland and company now looking to extend their historic World Cup run.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, has emerged as a dangerous underdog after a strong group-stage showing and will aim to spring the upset against the Nordic side in what shapes up as a tightly contested matchup.

Ivory Coast vs Norway: Predicted Lineups

Ivory Coast (4-3-3): Yahia Fofana; Guela Doue, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Ghislain Konan; Ibrahim Sangare, Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana; Amad Diallo, Sebastien Haller, Yan Diomande.

Norway (4-3-3): Ørjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Østigård, David Møller Wolfe; Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Martin Ødegaard; Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa.

What time is the Ivory Coast vs Norway match?

The match kicks off today, June 30, at 1:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 1:00 PM
Central Time: 12:00 PM
Mountain Time: 11:00 AM
Pacific Time: 10:00 AM

The date, venue, and kickoff time for this intriguing matchup have also been confirmed. The match will be played at the iconic New York New Jersey Stadium (commonly known as MetLife Stadium) on Sunday, July 5, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM ET.

Despite being without Raphinha, Carlo Ancelotti’s side overcame a tough challenge and kept its dream of a sixth World Cup title alive. Can Brazil finally lift the trophy at this World Cup?

Martinelli, Brazil’s hero

The match proved to be far from easy for Brazil. In fact, Japan took the lead in the first half thanks to a goal from Sano. However, the Selecao completed the comeback and secured their place in the Round of 16.

Casemiro had equalized with a header midway through the second half. The hero of the day turned out to be Gabriel Martinelli, who scored in the final play of the match to seal a 2–1 victory for his team.

This tough defeat eliminated Japan and brought their World Cup dream to an end. Nevertheless, it was a strong performance from the Samurai Blue, who fought until the very end.

Norway’s key win over Ivory Coast

Norway took the lead in the 39th minute through a brilliant strike from Antonio Nusa, who cut inside from the left and fired a top‑corner rocket that left Yahia Fofana with no chance. Ivory Coast answered in the 74th, as Amad Diallo came off the bench and dribbled past two defenders before leveling the match with a low left‑footed finish across goal.

The decisive moment arrived in the 85th minute, when Erling Haaland punished a defensive lapse inside the box and delivered a clinical strike to seal Norway’s 2–1 win and their place in the Round of 16.