The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 continues on Tuesday and Wednesday as six nations battle for three places in the last 16. Ivory Coast face Norway in what should be a competitive encounter, while France take on Sweden looking to continue their impressive tournament form. Hosts Mexico also return to action after an outstanding group stage campaign when they play Ecuador. We take a look at each match from a betting angle below.
Ivory Coast vs Norway
Ivory Coast booked their place in the Round of 32 after finishing second in Group E with six points. They began their campaign with an impressive 1-0 victory over Ecuador before falling narrowly to Germany despite producing a spirited display against one of the tournament favourites.
Their qualification was secured in the final group fixture as Pepe Nicolas scored twice in a convincing 2-0 victory over Curaçao, ensuring the Africans advanced with confidence.
Norway also progressed with six points after finishing second in Group I. They made an excellent start by cruising to a 4-1 victory over Iraq before edging Senegal 3-2 in an entertaining encounter to guarantee qualification.
Their final group match ended in a heavy 4-1 defeat against an outstanding France side, although Norway had already done enough to book their place in the knockout stages.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between these nations.
Betting – Click here to bet
Ivory Coast 3.65
Draw 3.65
Norway 2.10
Verdict
Ivory Coast have been organised defensively throughout the tournament, while Norway have looked dangerous in attack despite their heavy defeat to France when they rested players. I expect a close contest, but Norway’s greater attacking quality should prove decisive over ninety minutes, and they are hard to go against here.
BET: Norway to Win at 2.10
France vs Sweden
France progressed to the Round of 32 with a perfect record after dominating Group I. They opened with a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal before comfortably defeating Iraq 3-0 to secure qualification.
Their final outing produced arguably their finest display of the tournament as Ousmane Dembele struck a hat-trick in a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway to end with maximum points.
Sweden qualified after finishing 3rd in Group F after collecting four points. They began the tournament in emphatic fashion by thrashing Tunisia 5-1 before suffering a difficult 5-1 defeat against an impressive Netherlands side.
Their final group fixture ended in a hard fought 1-1 draw with Japan, a result that proved enough to secure knockout stage status as one of the best third-ranked teams.
Head-to-Head
France have won four of the previous six meetings between these nations. Their most recent encounter came in the UEFA Nations League during 2020 where France recorded a 4-2 victory.
Betting – Click here to bet
France 1.29
Draw 6.25
Sweden 10.00
Verdict
France have looked like one of the strongest teams in the competition, winning all three group matches while scoring ten goals and conceding only twice. Sweden have shown resilience to reach the knockout stages but were comfortably beaten by the Netherlands and now face another elite European nation. I expect France to control proceedings and progress comfortably.
BET: France to Win and Over 3.5 Goals at 2.60
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Mexico vs Ecuador
Mexico have enjoyed a flawless run to the Round of 32 after topping Group A with maximum points. They opened the tournament with a professional 2-0 victory over South Africa before edging South Korea 1-0 in a disciplined performance to secure qualification.
Their last group fixture saw them produce their best display yet as second-half goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo sealed a dominant 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic, finishing the group stage without conceding a goal.
Ecuador came through as one of the 8 3rd placed teams. They opened with a 1-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast going down to a 90th minute winner and they then played out a 0-0 draw with underdogs Curacao. They looked likely to be heading home but came from behind to stun Germany 2-1 in their final game.
Head-to-Head
These sides met in a friendly international in 2025 and the score finished 1-1 the 3rd consecutive draw between the sides.
Betting – Click here to bet
Mexico 2.25
Draw 3.15
Ecuador 3.85
Verdict
I expect a tight and low scoring game with a passionate home crowd celebrating a narrow win.
BET: Mexico win at 2.25
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
