By Samuel Akpan
Ivory Coast’s promising 2026 World Cup campaign ended in a heartbreak on Tuesday evening as Norway came from behind to win 2-1 in the Round of 32 and send the Elephants packing.
The Ivorians, affectionately tipped as one of Africa’s brightest hopes, dominated long spells of the match but were undone by clinical moments and a costly defensive lapse.
Norway struck first against the run of play in the 39th minute.
Antonio Nusa produced a moment of individual magic to beat the Ivorian defence and give the Scandinavians a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Côte d’Ivoire refused to fold as after the break they continued to press and were rewarded in the 74th minute when substitute Amad Diallo fired in a superb equaliser, sparking wild celebrations and raising hopes of extra time.
Those hopes were shattered minutes later following a lapse in concentration left Erling Haaland completely unmarked inside the box.
The Norwegian captain made no mistake, rifling home the winner and sending Norway into the R-16.
Despite the defeat, the Elephants left the tournament with their heads held high.
They showed character, quality and fighting spirit against a strong European side, even if the final result left them with deep regrets.
Côte d’Ivoire becomes the second African nation to have been eliminated from the World Cup following South Africa’s earlier exit.
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