Three Round of 32 clashes on Tuesday June 30 — including Africa’s Ivory Coast taking on Norway. Here are our predictions and Bet9ja tips for every match.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 continues on Tuesday with three cracking knockout ties. Ivory Coast take on Norway in what is the standout African interest of the day, France face unfancied Sweden in New Jersey, and Mexico look to capitalise on home-nation support against Ecuador at the Azteca. All kick-off times are in West Africa Time (WAT, UTC+1).
Ivory Coast to Win @ 3.50 | Draw @ 3.40 | Norway to Win @ 2.10
This is the tie of the day for African football fans. The Elephants of Ivory Coast reached the Round of 32 after a creditable group stage showing, and they will draw enormous support from the continent with Ghana now out of the tournament. But they face a formidable Norway side that arrived at this World Cup on the back of a perfect qualifying campaign — eight wins from eight — and with Erling Haaland already among the tournament’s leading scorers with four group stage goals.
Norway are clear favourites and deservedly so. Haaland’s movement and finishing will test any backline in the world, and the Norwegians have shown a ruthless edge in front of goal. Ivory Coast are no pushovers — they showed quality in Group E and have genuine pace in attack — but defensively they will need to be at their very best to contain Haaland and his supporting cast.
Both teams have shown a willingness to attack, and with over 2.5 goals priced at around 1.80 on Bet9ja and SportyBet, there is good value in backing an open game. Our prediction is Norway to edge this one, but expect Ivory Coast to make a proper contest of it.
Our Tip: Norway to Win @ 2.10
Value Side Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.80
France to Win @ 1.25 | Draw @ 5.75 | Sweden to Win @ 10.00
This is the most lopsided fixture of the round. France are one of the genuine contenders for World Cup glory and their odds reflect it. Les Bleus have been imperious through the group stage — solid at the back, dynamic going forward — and Kylian Mbappé and company have found their rhythm at the ideal time.
Sweden are here on merit, having navigated their group, but they face a different class of opponent today. The Scandinavians are disciplined and hard to break down but they simply do not carry the individual quality to pose a sustained threat to France at this level. The 10.00 on offer for a Swedish win is a reflection of just how wide the gap is expected to be.
At 1.25, France to win offers thin returns but near-certainty. The smart play for those looking at France is to combine them in a multi-bet rather than back them alone. France to win and over 1.5 goals, available around 1.30, is a solid inclusion in any accumulator today.
Our Tip: France to Win @ 1.25
Accumulator Inclusion: France Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.30
Mexico to Win @ 2.20 | Draw @ 2.90 | Ecuador to Win @ 4.00
The night’s final fixture is a fascinating late kick-off for those staying up across West Africa. Mexico, playing in front of their own fans at the iconic Azteca, top their group and will feel this is a genuine opportunity to go deep in the tournament. The atmosphere in Mexico City will be electric.
Ecuador arrive here having pulled off a shock — they beat Germany in the group stage — but they have been inconsistent. They create chances without the cutting edge to finish them reliably, and against a well-organised Mexico defence, that frailty could prove fatal. Mexico are slight favourites but the odds around 2.20 offer decent value for what could be a tight, tactical encounter.
This game has low-scoring match written all over it. Mexico’s approach tends to be structured and defensively sound. Under 2.5 goals at around 1.55 is worth considering, and Mexico to win on a ₦1,000 stake at 2.20 returns ₦2,200.
Our Tip: Mexico to Win @ 2.20
Value Side Bet: Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.55
| Match | KO Time (WAT) | Our Pick | Approx Odds |
|—|—|—|—|
| Ivory Coast vs Norway | 18:00 | Norway Win | 2.10 |
| France vs Sweden | 22:00 | France Win | 1.25 |
| Mexico vs Ecuador | 02:00 (July 1) | Mexico Win | 2.20 |
For multi-bet options using all three games, see our World Cup 2026 Accumulator Tips June 30 article. For the best Nigerian bookmakers to place these bets, visit our guide to the best betting sites in Nigeria.
Remember: all odds are approximate and based on Bet9ja and SportyBet markets at time of writing. Odds change, especially close to kick-off. Always gamble responsibly. Set a budget and stick to it.
Responsible gambling: Betting should be for entertainment only. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you, contact the NLRC helpline.
