Norway Leads Against Ivory Coast in FIFA World Cup Round of 32

The Round of 32 match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Norway and Côte d'Ivoire is taking place at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with Norway currently leading 1-0 at half-time. Antonio Nusa, who celebrated scoring the opening goal, has been pivotal in his team's performance. This match marks Norway's return to the World Cup after a 28-year hiatus, showcasing the aspirations of one of their most talented generations. Meanwhile, Côte d'Ivoire is participating in the knockout stage for the first time, reflecting their sporting resurgence under coach Emerse Fae.

As the match progressed into the first half, both teams created several chances. Ibrahim Sangaré attempted a long-range shot for Côte d'Ivoire, which went high and wide. Norway's Erling Haaland, a prominent player, was involved in multiple attacks but faced strong defensive efforts from the Ivorian side.

Notably, if Haaland scores, he will join the ranks of Sándor Kocsis of Hungary, who was the last player to score in each of his first three World Cup appearances, a record set in 1954.

With the first half concluding, both sides will look to adjust their strategies during the break to improve their scoring opportunities. The contest is crucial for both teams, as they aim to advance further into the tournament and secure their legacy in World Cup history.