Côte d’Ivoire football icon Didier Drogba has strongly criticized the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) following his country’s dramatic elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The former Chelsea striker voiced his frustration after the Elephants suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Norway national football team in their Round of 32 clash on Tuesday night, a result that ended Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup campaign.

Norway took the lead in the opening half through talented forward Antonio Nusa, putting the Europeans in control before the break.

The Ivorians responded after halftime, with Amad Diallo finding the equaliser to restore hope for his side and set up a tense finish to the encounter.

However, Norway had the final say when star striker Erling Haaland calmly converted from close range late in the match, sealing a 2-1 victory and booking his country’s place in the Round of 16.

Despite the defeat, much of the post-match discussion centred on a controversial incident involving Ivorian winger Nicolas Pépé, who appeared to be brought down inside the penalty area during the game.

The match officials waved away appeals for a spot-kick, and VAR also declined to intervene, a decision that sparked outrage among many Ivorian supporters.

Reacting shortly after the final whistle, Drogba took to his X account to question both the referee’s decision and the effectiveness of the VAR system.

“Disgraceful that penalty not given for Nicolas Pépé… what is VAR even for?” the former Ivory Coast captain wrote.

His comments quickly attracted widespread reactions from football fans, with many debating whether Côte d’Ivoire had been denied a legitimate penalty that could have altered the outcome of the match.

With the victory, Norway progressed to the Round of 16, where they are set to face Brazil national football team as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.