Norway's national football team has moved to Texas to prepare for their World Cup Round of 32 match against Ivory Coast on Tuesday [6].
This match represents a critical juncture for a squad attempting to make a deep run in their first World Cup appearance in 28 years [1]. After a strong group stage performance, the team is now transitioning from their training base to the competition venue for the knockout phase.
The squad, led by star forward Erling Haaland and coach Stale Solbakken, conducted training on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at their team base in North Carolina [1, 5]. Following these sessions, the team traveled to Arlington, Texas, where the match will be held at Dallas Stadium [3, 7].
Norway advanced to the knockout stage after finishing second in Group I [2]. The team earned six points during the group stage [2], securing two wins against Iraq and Senegal [3]. Their only group stage defeat came at the hands of France [4].
They will face Ivory Coast, who entered the Round of 32 as the runner-up of Group E [2]. The matchup pits two teams that have both demonstrated resilience in the early stages of the tournament.
The travel from North Carolina to Texas is the final step in the team's preparation. The squad will focus on recovery, and tactical adjustments before the Tuesday kickoff [6].
“Norway's first World Cup appearance in 28 years.”
Norway's progression to the Round of 32 marks a significant return to the global stage for the nation's football program. By overcoming Iraq and Senegal, the team has validated its competitive standing and the impact of Erling Haaland. Facing Ivory Coast, a fellow group runner-up, creates a high-stakes scenario where tactical discipline will be as essential as individual star power to reach the next round.
