This will be the first ever meeting between Côte d’Ivoire and Norway in any competition.

Norway have lost just two out of 19 matches in all competitions against African nations (W9 D8), losing friendlies to Senegal in 2006 and South Africa in 2009. Their two FIFA World Cup meetings with African teams have produced nine goals – a 2-2 draw with Morocco in 1998 and 3-2 win over Senegal this year.