Mykyta Nitchenko
Ivory Coast and Norway meet in the round of 16 play-offs of the World Championship in what promises to be a compelling knockout tie. The Elephants line up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Kessie F. and Sangare I. forming a disciplined double pivot in midfield and Nicolas Pépé leading the attack from the right flank. Norway counter with a fluid 4-3-3 system built around the star quality of Odegaard M. and the relentless goal threat of Haaland E. up front. Both sides will be without one key defender, which could open up space in transition and make for an entertaining, end-to-end contest.
Starting Lineups
Ivory Coast (4-2-3-1)
| # | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fofana Y. |
| 17 | Doue G. |
| 7 | Kossounou O. |
| 2 | Diomande O. |
| 3 | Konan G. |
| 18 | Sangare I. |
| 8 | Kessie F. |
| 15 | Diallo A. |
| 26 | Inao Oulai C. |
| 11 | Diomande Y. |
| 19 | Pepe N. |
Norway (4-3-3)
| # | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Nyland O. |
| 14 | Aursnes F. |
| 3 | Ajer K. |
| 17 | Heggem T. |
| 5 | Wolfe D. |
| 10 | Odegaard M. |
| 8 | Berge S. |
| 6 | Berg P. |
| 7 | Sorloth A. |
| 9 | Haaland E. |
| 20 | Nusa A. |
Team News
Ivory Coast
Will not play: Singo W. is ruled out of this fixture after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Questionable: No players are currently listed as doubtful for the Elephants.
Norway
Will not play: Ryerson J. misses out after picking up a thigh injury and will play no part in this knockout tie.
Questionable: No players are currently listed as doubtful for Norway.