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All eyes turn to Arlington as the World Cup’s round-of-32 action continues to heat up.

Ivory Coast are set to go head-to-head with Norway for a coveted spot in the next knockout round, where the winner will face Brazil — who edged past Japan in a thrilling encounter on Monday.

The big question remains: which team will earn a chance to take on the Selecao?

Les Éléphants secured their round-of-32 berth after a dramatic last-gasp victory over Ecuador and a dominant win against tournament underdogs Curacao. Their performances have sparked optimism among fans who see them as one of the competition’s dark horses.

Norway, managed by Stale Solbakken, advanced from their group courtesy of two Erling Haaland braces — the Manchester City striker firing them past Iraq and Senegal to claim second place in their pool. His clinical finishing has once again underlined his status as one of world football’s deadliest forwards.

The round-of-32 showdown will take place at the Dallas Stadium, a venue that has already hosted several memorable World Cup clashes this year. Norway’s history in the tournament is impressive — they have moved beyond the group stage in all but one of their four World Cup appearances, with Haaland already their top scorer in the current edition.

Yet, the encounter could see Haaland face stiff competition from Ivory Coast’s rising star, Yan Diomande. The RB Leipzig forward, who notched his first World Cup assist in the win over Curacao, is being closely watched by top European clubs. Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly locked in a transfer battle for his signature, with PSG now appearing the likely destination.

While Diomande’s future continues to unfold off the pitch, his performances in North America have shown why he is among the continent’s emerging attacking talents. His pace, technical skill, and composure in front of goal could make him a key threat to Norway’s backline.

Norway, however, are far from a one-man team. Captain Martin Ødegaard has been instrumental in orchestrating play from midfield, continuing his fine form following Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign. His leadership and creativity add a crucial balance to Solbakken’s side, making them a cohesive and dangerous unit.

Despite Ivory Coast’s momentum and attacking flair, Norway’s blend of experience, discipline, and star quality could prove decisive. We’re tipping Solbakken’s men to bring Ivory Coast’s first-ever knockout run to an end at the very first hurdle.