Emerse Faé Proud Despite Côte d’Ivoire Exit

Côte d’Ivoire head coach Emerse Faé expressed both pride and disappointment after his team’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, a result that ended their historic first knockout stage campaign.

‘We did the hard part by equalising. Unfortunately, we conceded that goal at the end. It’s a shame. The players gave it their all and played until the very end,’ Faé said following the match.

‘At this level, it comes down to the little details. You have to stay focused from start to finish, no matter the opponent.’

Côte d’Ivoire had fought back through Amad Diallo’s brilliant equaliser, only to be undone by Erling Haaland’s late strike.

Despite the disappointment, Faé emphasised the positives of the team’s debut in the knockout rounds.

‘It was everyone’s first World Cup. I think the players have learned a lot. Now, we’ll work on coming back stronger for the next challenges.’