World Cup: RB Leipzig wingers face off as Côte d'Ivoire and Norway eye first knockout win
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Day 3 of the knockout stages at the 2026 World Cup will commence with two national teams searching their maiden knockout victory. Norway, who suffered two Round of 16 defeats to Italy in the space of half a century (1938 and 1998), will lock horns with Côte d'Ivoire.
The Elephants are one of the teams to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in this tournament. Yan Diomande played a big part in their success, and he'll start once again as expected. Meanwhile, his RB Leipzig teammate Antonio Nusa returns to Norway's lineup after ex-Köln coach Ståle Solbakken rotated his side against France.
Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson is unavailable due to a calf injury. Emerse Faé has another sought-after Bundesliga winger in the squad with Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure hoping for another appearance off the bench.
Confirmed Côte d'Ivoire vs. Norway Lineups
Côte d'Ivoire XI: Fofana; Konan, Agbadou, Kossounou, Doué; Kessié ©, Sangaré; Yan Diomande, Pépé, Inao Oulai; Bonny
Norway XI: Nyland; Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer, Pedersen; Berg, Berge, Ødegaard ©; Nusa, Haaland, Sørloth
