Côte d’Ivoire head coach Emerse Fae says the “Elephants” are aiming for a sustained run at the 2026 World Cup and insists they will not settle for simply reaching the round of 32. Ivory Coast face Norway at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on June 30 as they prepare for the next stage.
Quick facts
- Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae: the team wants a deep run at the 2026 World Cup.
- The Elephants play Norway at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on June 30.
- Ivory Coast reached the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
- Ivory Coast finished second in Group E on two wins and one defeat.
- Norway advanced from Group I in second place on two wins and one loss.
After Ivory Coast booked their place in the knockout phase for the first time in their history, Fae said the key feeling was “pride.” He added that the achievement was never expected to come easily, but the team delivered it anyway.
Fae also stressed that while the squad can celebrate tonight, attention must quickly shift to the next challenge. “We’re happy and proud, but we’re looking even further ahead,” he said, urging the side to rest properly before the Norway game and to keep pushing as far as possible.
How the Elephants reached the knockouts
Ivory Coast finished runners-up to Germany in Group E after posting two victories and one loss. They began the group stage with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on June 15, with Amad Diallo striking in the 90th minute.
Five days later, Ivory Coast were beaten 2-1 by Germany. Deniz Undav scored twice—first in the 68th minute and again in stoppage time at 90+4—after Franck Kessie had put the Elephants ahead in the 30th minute.
Ivory Coast then recovered with a 2-0 success over Curacao on June 21. Nicolas Pepe netted both goals, scoring in the 7th and 64th minutes, helping Ivory Coast finish level on six points with Germany.
Norway’s route to the last 16
Norway, coached by Stale Solbakken, advanced from Group I in second place with two wins and one defeat. Erling Haaland was central to their progress, producing a pair of braces during the group phase.
Norway opened with a 4-1 demolition of Iraq on June 17, with Haaland scoring twice. They followed that up with a 3-2 victory over Senegal six days later, again with Haaland adding two goals.
In their final group outing on June 26, Norway lost 4-1 to France. The scoreline could have been closer, however, with Jorgen Strand Larsen missing a penalty in the 50th minute when the match stood at 3-1.
