LIVE UPDATES: Ivory Coast 0-0 Norway World Cup 2026 – Follow all the action, goals and celebrations

3’ Early danger from Norway as Erling Haaland finds space near the penalty spot and powers a promising header towards goal, but a defender makes a crucial block before the effort can trouble the goalkeeper.

1’ The first half is underway after Ivory Coast kicked off the Round of 32 clash.

The players are out on the pitch and everything is set for kick-off. Ivory Coast will get the match started.

Jesus Valenzuela is the referee in charge of today’s encounter.

Stay with Africasoccer for live updates, goals, major moments and celebrations throughout the match between Ivory Coast and Norway.

Their most recent meeting against African opposition ended in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal during the group stage of this tournament.

Norway traditionally performed well against African opposition, losing only two of their 19 matches against teams from the continent while recording nine wins and eight draws.

Head-to-Head History

The Norwegians will also be hoping to end their poor historical record in World Cup knockout football after losing both of their previous knockout-stage matches in the competition.

Despite that setback, Norway remain one of the tournament’s most in-form teams. Comfortable victories over Senegal and Iraq earlier in the competition showcased their attacking quality, while their broader record of 14 wins, three draws and only two defeats across their last 19 matches suggests they remain a dangerous opponent.

Norway, meanwhile, rotated heavily during their final group game against France after already securing qualification. Head coach Ståle Solbakken made ten changes to his starting line-up in what he described as a “no-brainer” decision, but the gamble resulted in a heavy 4-1 defeat.

A victory tonight would equal the total number of wins Ivory Coast managed across their previous three World Cup appearances combined. Although history has not often favoured African nations in their first World Cup knockout matches, the Ivorians arrive full of confidence after winning six of their last seven international matches, while remaining unbeaten during that run.

Ivory Coast secured qualification from a highly competitive Group E after finishing second behind Germany on head-to-head record. Victories over Ecuador and Curaçao without conceding a goal helped Les Éléphants reach the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history.

Match News and Current Form

Two nations with limited World Cup knockout experience go head-to-head tonight as Ivory Coast attempt to continue their historic run while Norway aim to rediscover the form that carried them through the group stage.

Welcome to Africasoccer’s live coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas.