Côte d’Ivoire have become the third African nation to exit the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Norway in their Round of 32 clash on Tuesday.
Norway took the lead in the first half through Antonio Nusa before Côte d’Ivoire fought back, with Amad Diallo equalising in the 72nd minute to restore hope for the Elephants.
However, Erling Haaland netted the decisive goal to seal victory for Norway and book their place in the Round of 16. The strike was Haaland’s fifth goal of the tournament.
With the defeat, Côte d’Ivoire join South Africa and Tunisia as the African teams eliminated from the competition, reducing the continent’s representation in the tournament.
