Rising elephants star Amad Diallo discusses Côte d’Ivoire’s incredible FIFA World Cup 2026 trip and what it means to score in their tight 2-1 defeat against Norway at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday.
Though their ambition at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is gone, Côte d’Ivoire leaves North America with dignity. This was their fourth World Cup appearance, and this time they made history by making the knockout stage for the first time.
At Dallas Stadium, they lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 32, but they kept supporters entertained along the way. Despite the letdown, Amad Diallo valued what the developing Côte d’Ivoire side achieved.
Diallo told FIFA, “We are really proud of what we achieved.” The youngest team in this tournament, we can be proud. This is a success for us since we never advanced from the group stage in our last three competitions.
Entering in the second half, Diallo had an instant effect. After a fast one-two with Nicolas Pépé, he scored a brilliant goal in the 74th minute to tie the score.
Following his group stage goal versus Ecuador, which gave the 23-year-old some relief, Diallo scored his second World Cup goal.
“Scoring that goal is a great relief; it’s a dream come true,” Diallo added. “Playing on the grandest stage has always been my goal; therefore getting this goal was remarkable. Losing would still feel like a win to us, even if it happened.
