Jørgen Strand Larsen’s World Cup run will continue after Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1, while Crystal Palace teammate Evann Guessand exited the tournament after a late cameo.
The result creates a sharp Palace split before Pierre Sage’s first pre-season, with one forward still inside the knockout stage and another now heading towards his summer return.
Crystal Palace’s official World Cup tracker confirmed Strand Larsen remained an unused substitute in Arlington, while Guessand was introduced in second-half stoppage time as Ivory Coast chased a route back into the tie.
Norway now move on to face Brazil in the last 16, giving Strand Larsen another chance to force his way back into Ståle Solbakken’s plans.
Haaland Winner Sets Up Brazil Test
Norway’s win was decided late. Antonio Nusa put them ahead, Amad Diallo levelled for Ivory Coast, and Erling Haaland scored the winner four minutes from time.
For Strand Larsen, the frustration is obvious. He stayed on the bench, but Norway’s progression keeps his tournament alive after his penalty miss against France.
For Guessand, the tournament ends with a limited final role. His late appearance was narrow in match terms, but it still matters for Palace’s summer read.
Read Crystal Palace had already framed this game as a direct Strand Larsen and Guessand subplot, and the answer was brutal. Norway advanced, Ivory Coast went home, and Sage now has two very different attacking timelines to manage.
One forward remains inside a knockout-stage environment. The other can begin recovery and preparation for Palace’s pre-season.
That contrast matters because Palace’s attacking hierarchy is still being tested in real time. Sage will want sharpness, but he also needs clarity on rhythm, minutes and confidence before the Europa League workload arrives.
Strand Larsen still has Brazil ahead of him. Guessand now has to make sure his next statement comes back in south London.
