Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae admitted his team lacked necessary composure during their heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Norway in the 2026 World Cup round of 32. Despite a spirited performance that lasted until the final whistle, the Ivorians were eliminated after Erling Haaland scored a decisive goal in the 86th minute at Dallas Stadium.
Norway initially drew first blood with a strike from Antonio Nusa late in the first half. Ivory Coast responded in the second half when substitute Amad Diallo leveled the score. However, a defensive lapse allowed an unmarked Haaland to secure the win for the Norwegians, ending the tournament run for the youngest squad in the competition.
Fae reflected on the result, noting that his players struggled to manage the game after equalizing. He suggested that the team should have prioritized defensive stability to force the match into extra time rather than pushing for a winner. Despite the disappointment, Fae emphasized that the experience was vital for his squad’s growth. He also defended his decision to bring Diallo off the bench, noting that the winger performed exactly as expected when he entered the pitch.
