Ivory Coast lost 2-1 to Norway in the round of 32 of the ongoing 2026 World Cup on Tuesday night, thus becoming the third African country to be eliminated.
Antonio Nusa sent the Norwegian fans at Dallas Stadium into a wide jubilation after he struck from the edge of the box to nick the first goal of the game.
Ivory Coast made a number of spirited efforts to equalize in the first-half but could not beat goalkeeper Orjan Nyland who was solid in goal.
The Elephants continued to press high and eventually matched the Norwegian side with a strike from Amad Diallo in the 72nd minute.
Manchester City star Erling Haaland then sent his side into the round of 16 by scoring from a close range, following an assist from Patrick Berg.
Ivory Coast have now joined South Africa and Tunisia to be ousted from the global competition in the round of 32.
Despite being eliminated from the tournament in the second round, this year’s edition remains their best outing after failing to reach the knock stage in the previous editions.
Democratic Republic of Congo is another African country that is still in the competition and will play England on Wednesday.
