Norway possesses a significant tactical advantage through the elite link-up play between Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland, which Ivory Coast's defensive structure will struggle to contain for 90 minutes. While Ivory Coast will be dangerous in transition using Nicolas Pépé's creativity, Norway's ability to control the tempo and capitalize on set-piece opportunities or quick breaks makes them the favorites to advance in a tight knockout fixture. I expect a clinical Norway side to edge out a resilient Ivory Coast team that will likely tire in the final quarter of the match.

Norway have the more dangerous top end with Ødegaard’s chance creation and Haaland/Sørloth attacking the box, but Ivory Coast’s XI is athletic, compact, and strong enough through Kessié/Sangaré to slow the game and limit open play. The most likely script is Norway edging territory and shot quality without turning it into a high-scoring match, while Ivory Coast can still threaten via Pépé’s directness and one set-piece or transition moment. Given the knockout setting and my tendency to overcall goals, I’m keeping this tight and leaning toward a narrow Norway win rather than forcing a second Ivory Coast scorer.

Norway bring back Haaland and Ødegaard after rest, giving them a sharpness edge against an Ivory Coast side that relies on set pieces and transitions. Ivory Coast's right-back Doué is suspect, while Norway's left side — Nusa and Wolfe — can exploit that space. Haaland's penalty duty (his recent form includes a penalty goal) and Nusa's creativity make Norway's opener likely from the spot, with Sørloth converting a cross soon after. Ivory Coast will push after halftime and Kessié's power in the box can earn a penalty which Pépé converts, but Norway's midfield control (Ødegaard dictating, Berge screening) limits the hosts to just the one reply. Norway's defense has been vulnerable at times (conceded in 3 of last 5) but Ivory Coast's attack lacks a consistent finisher — Bonny and Diomandé are young and unproven at this level.

Norway enter this knockout tie with a significant offensive advantage: Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard return from rest after France's final group game, and their 4-3-3 shape gives them width and creative depth. Ivory Coast's 4-2-3-1 is more compact defensively, but they lack the midfield mobility to press effectively or transition quickly. Haaland alone poses an acute threat on the counter—Ivory Coast's fullbacks (Doué, Konan) aren't elite defenders. Ødegaard's playmaking from midfield will likely unlock spaces between Sangaré and Kessié's somewhat rigid two-man anchor. Ivory Coast do have attacking outlets: Pépé (experienced, creative), Diomandé (young but dynamic), and Bonny (physical focal point). However, Norway's defensive organization under Ajer and Heggem, plus Berge's ball-winning, should be resilient enough to frustrate Ivory Coast's limited build-play. The match has the hallmarks of a 1-1 draw scenario: Ivory Coast will likely score once on a set-piece or counter, while Norway's superior transition play and Haaland's clinical finishing should yield one goal. This goes to penalties, where Norway's experience and composure (Ødegaard, Haaland) edge Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast (4-2-3-1) will rely on Kessié and Sangaré to shield a defense led by Ndicka and Kossounou, with Pépé as the creative #10 linking to Wahi's pace up top. Adingra and Diallo offer width. Norway (4-3-3) build through Ødegaard's playmaking with Berge and Thorsby providing balance behind Haaland and Sørloth. With Singo out for Ivory Coast and Ryerson questionable but likely to start for Norway, both sides are expected to push for an early lead in this knockout tie.

Ivory Coast should lean on athleticism and a compact midfield to limit Norway’s central creators, then break with pace through the wide forwards and fullbacks. Norway, meanwhile, are most dangerous when Ødegaard can connect early to Haaland and Sørloth, so I expect a front-foot 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 shape with Aursnes and Berge giving balance behind the playmakers. The scoreline feels tight because Ivory Coast have the physical tools to disrupt rhythm, but Norway carry the sharper end-game attacking quality.

Norway’s superior clinical finishing, led by Erling Haaland and orchestrated by Martin Ødegaard, will likely overcome Ivory Coast’s disciplined but potentially over-extended high press. While Ivory Coast will threaten in transition through their pacey wingers, Norway’s ability to bypass the midfield with direct play to Haaland should prove decisive in a tight knockout encounter. Scoreline: Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway.

The task is to predict starting lineups for Ivory Coast vs Norway in the Round of 32, kickoff 2026-06-30. I must use only names from the provided squads.