Amad Diallo was not included in Ivory Coast's starting lineup for their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Norway, but his absence was not due to injury. The Manchester United winger was fully fit and available for selection, with the coaching staff opting for a tactical change instead.

Ivory Coast entered the knockout match after finishing second in Group E with six points, while Norway also progressed as runners-up from Group I. Head coach Emerse Faé selected an attacking trio of Ange-Yoan Bonny, Yaya Diaby, and Nicolas Pépé, who earned his place after scoring twice in the team's final group-stage victory over Curaçao.

Diallo had featured in all three group-stage matches but started only one of them, the 2-1 defeat to Germany. Against Curaçao, he played the opening 45 minutes before being substituted at halftime, suggesting the coaching staff were carefully managing their attacking options heading into the knockout rounds.

Although he began the match on the bench, Diallo made an immediate impact after coming on in the second half. He combined well with Nicolas Pépé before scoring the equalizing goal, produced an important goal-line clearance, and nearly forced extra time with a late free-kick that was brilliantly saved by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Despite Diallo's impressive contribution, Norway secured a dramatic 2-1 victory through Erling Haaland's late winner, ending Ivory Coast's World Cup campaign while sending the Scandinavian side through to the last 16.