Pre-Match Insights and Then and Now Photo Essay
There is still plenty of time before kick-off, and a great way to spend it is with our Then and Now photo essay. This feature offers an enjoyable comparison of past and present moments. The question remains: who truly did it best? The choice is yours, but to guide you, the 1994 versions of Brazil and Alexi Lalas outperform their 2026 counterparts, Diana Ross surpasses Shakira with ease, and Maple, Zayu, and Clutch cannot match Striker.
Team News: Norway
Norway fielded almost an entirely reserve team during their 4-1 defeat to France, with only Patrick Berg retaining his place from that unique starting lineup. For this match, Ståle Solbakken reinstates all his first-choice players, resulting in the same team that began the 3-2 victory over Senegal, except for two changes: Marcus Holmgren Pedersen replaces the injured Julian Ryerson, and Berg comes in for the benched Fredrik Aursnes. Erling Haaland resumes his pursuit of the Golden Boot.
Team News: Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire make three alterations to the side that started their 2-0 win over Curaçao. Emmanuel Agbadou, Ghislain Konan, and Christ Inao Oulaï are introduced in place of Ousmane Diomande, Christopher Opéri, and Amad Diallo.
Starting Lineups and Substitutes
Côte d’Ivoire: Yahia Fofana, Doue, Kossounou, Agbadou, Konan, Sangare, Pepe, Kessie, Oulai, Yan Diomande, Bonny.
Substitutes: Kone, Lafont, Ousmane Diomande, Seri, Singo, Seko Fofana, Adingra, Wahi, Operi, Diakite, Diallo, N’Dicka, Guessand, Toure, Guiagon.
Norway: Nyland, Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe, Odegaard, Berge, Berg, Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Substitutes: Tangvik, Selvik, Thorsby, Ostigard, Larsen, Aursnes, Bjorkan, Thorstvedt, Aasgaard, Schjelderup, Bobb, Hauge, Langas, Falchener, Ryerson.
Match Officials
The referee for the match is Jesus Valenzuela from Venezuela.
Group Stage Performance Overview
Regarding recent performances, the main teams in Group I have secured two wins, while their B team suffered a heavy defeat.
This match represents Côte d’Ivoire’s journey in the 2026 World Cup so far, marked by a more than respectable performance in Group E.
Our initial assessment remains largely unchanged, with ample time remaining for developments.
Looking Ahead
Imagine a future where either Côte d’Ivoire or Norway become world champions. With Yan Diomande on one side and Erling Haaland on the other, such a scenario is not entirely beyond possibility. These two teams, considered dark horses and favored by hipster fans, face off in Texas for a place in the last 16. This encounter promises to be a classic and highly entertaining.
Kick-off is scheduled for 12pm local time, 1pm EDT, 6pm BST, and 3am AEST. The match is on!
