World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast star Wilfred Singo unavailable for Norway clash

Ivory Coast have been dealt a setback ahead of their crucial Round of 32 clash against Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with defender Wilfried Singo officially ruled out of the encounter due to injury.

The Elephants are set to face Norway on Tuesday, June 30, at Dallas Stadium in a high-stakes knockout match, but will have to do so without one of their key defensive figures.

Singo picked up the injury during the second matchday of the group stage and was forced off early, raising immediate concerns within the Ivorian camp. Despite initial hopes of a swift recovery, the defender has not yet regained full fitness in time for the knockout fixture.

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has now confirmed that the player remains in rehabilitation and will not be available for selection against Norway, stressing that the recovery process is still ongoing.

“As for Wilfried Singo, we’ll have to be patient a little longer. He won’t be available for the match against Norway,” Faé stated.

The absence of Singo comes at a crucial moment for Ivory Coast, who are preparing for one of their most important matches of the tournament so far. With knockout football leaving no room for error, defensive stability will be vital against a physically strong Norwegian side.

Singo’s injury is a significant blow given his importance to the team’s defensive structure. His pace, strength and ability to play across the backline have made him a key component of the Elephants’ tactical setup during the World Cup campaign.

Ivory Coast will now be forced to adjust their defensive approach, with Faé expected to rely on alternative options to fill the gap left by the absent defender.

Despite the setback, there remains optimism within the squad, with Ivory Coast still confident in their ability to compete at a high level and progress deeper into the tournament.

The Elephants have shown resilience throughout the competition and will be hoping to maintain that momentum as they prepare for a demanding test against Norway.

The Round of 32 clash in Dallas is expected to be tightly contested, with both sides aware that a place in the Round of 16 is on the line.

For Ivory Coast, however, the focus now shifts to adapting quickly without one of their defensive leaders as they aim to keep their World Cup dream alive.