Ivory Coast vs Norway: kick-off, watch guide, Diomande vs Haaland
Ivory Coast and Norway meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 at Dallas Stadium, Arlington, on Tuesday, June 30, kicking off at 12 p.m. local (6 p.m. BST, 7 p.m. in Norway). Yan Diomande leads the Ivorians against Erling Haaland's Norway in a tie that could hinge on whether the rested striker fires again.
For more offbeat global stories, browse our Bizarre World coverage. This ivory coast norway clash pairs two second-place group finishers in a knockout game where headlines focus on generational talent — but both squads arrive with real knockout-stage stakes.
Key Takeaways
- Ivory Coast vs Norway kicks off June 30 at Dallas Stadium: 12 p.m. local, 1 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. BST.
- Erling Haaland returns after four goals in two games; Norway rested him and Martin Ødegaard against France.
- Yan Diomande, Nicolas Pépé, and Amad Diallo give Ivory Coast pace; Wilfried Singo is doubtful at right-back.
- US viewers watch on Fox Sports; UK fans on BBC One; Norway's NRK and TV2 also carry the match.
- Betting markets favor Norway (-172), though analysts see upset potential for Ivory Coast at +140.
When and where does Ivory Coast vs Norway kick off?
The Round of 32 tie is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kick-off is 12 p.m. local time, which translates to 1 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. GMT, 6 p.m. BST, and 7 p.m. in Norway and West Africa.
Both sides finished second in their groups with 2-1-0 records. Ivory Coast reached its first-ever World Cup knockout stage after beating Ecuador 1-0 and Curaçao 2-0, while Norway advanced with wins over Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2) before a 4-1 loss to France.
What is the latest team news for both sides?
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken made as many as 10 changes for the France game, resting Haaland and Ødegaard to preserve freshness after medical tests showed fatigue across the squad. Solbakken called the decision a "no-brainer," and Haaland is expected to lead the line alongside Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth, and Antonio Nusa.
Haaland has four tournament goals from back-to-back braces against Iraq and Senegal. For Ivory Coast, Yan Diomande has led the team with 10 key passes and one assist, while Pépé scored twice in the 2-0 win over Curaçao. Right-back Wilfried Singo, who missed the Curaçao match after picking up an injury against Germany, remains doubtful for Dallas.
How can fans in the US and UK watch the match?
In the United States, Fox Sports will broadcast the game. UK viewers can tune in on BBC One, with ITV also listing coverage. Norwegian fans can watch on NRK and TV2, while Ivorian audiences have options including RTI, NCI, New World TV, and beIN SPORTS.
SuperSport and SportyTV serve much of Sub-Saharan Africa. Indian viewers can stream via Zee5, and Australian audiences can follow on SBS. For full fixture details, see ESPN's match guide.
Can Ivory Coast steal Haaland's thunder in Dallas?
As Reuters notes, Haaland holds centre stage after scoring four times in two appearances on Norway's return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. Ivory Coast, however, plans to attack with its own forward talent — Diomande, Pépé, and Amad Diallo — while keeping the Manchester City striker off the ball.
Coach Emerse Faé has marshalled a youthful, physical side that knows when to slow play and when to accelerate. Norway's attack looks potent, but Sports Illustrated points to defensive frailties and lists Ivory Coast to advance at +140 as a live upset pick. Amad Diallo at 3-1 to score is flagged as a prop worth watching against a Norwegian back line that has conceded heavily.