Singo’s availability is the key selection issue. Reports indicate Odilon Kossounou is likely to partner Ousmane Diomande at centre-back if the right-back fails to recover.
Yahia Fofana is expected to remain in goal ahead of Alban Lafont, while Guela Doué and Ghislain Konan should start at full-back. Their responsibilities will extend beyond defending, with Ivory Coast needing width when they move forward and discipline when Norway attack the channels.
Norway’s projected threat comes from wide areas, where Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sørloth are expected to test the Ivorian back line. A reshuffled defence will need to protect the space between the full-backs and centre-backs.
The likely midfield selection points to a cautious structure. Ibrahim Sangaré is expected to sit in front of the defence, with Franck Kessié and Christ-Inao Oulai operating ahead of him.
That setup gives Fae an extra layer against Norway’s transitions. Sangaré can screen the centre-backs, while Kessié’s experience should help Ivory Coast manage the game’s tempo. The midfield must also release the full-backs without leaving the defence exposed.
Ivory Coast’s attacking plan is built around movement rather than a conventional front two. Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande are expected to start either side of Nicolas Pépé, offering direct running in transition.
The projected XI balances defensive protection with outlets capable of exploiting Norway when possession changes hands. Singo’s fitness could determine whether that balance begins with Kossounou in defence.
For Ivory Coast, the next storyline is clear: survive Norway’s width, then use their own pace to reach the last 16 for the first time.