2026 FIFA World Cup – Round of 32
Norway 2-1 Ivory Coast
Dallas, United States: Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway edged Ivory Coast 2-1 on Tuesday night to reach the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting up a blockbuster clash against five-time champions Brazil.
The Manchester City striker struck in the 86th minute to hand Norway their first-ever victory in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, ending an 88-year wait for success in the tournament’s elimination rounds.
Norway entered the match with confidence after an impressive group-stage campaign and gradually asserted their authority through captain Martin Ødegaard, Antonio Nusa and Haaland.
Their dominance was rewarded in the 39th minute when Ødegaard threaded a pass to RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, who cut inside before curling a magnificent effort beyond goalkeeper Yahia Fofana into the top corner.
The strike was a landmark moment for Norwegian football, becoming the country’s first goal in a World Cup knockout match since making their tournament debut in 1938.
Ivory Coast, however, responded positively after the break.
Coach Emerse Faé introduced fresh attacking options as the Elephants pushed higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser, with Simon Adingra and Sébastien Haller asking more questions of the Norwegian defence.
Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when substitute Amad Diallo collected the ball inside the penalty area before driving a powerful low finish beyond goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to level the contest.
The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Ivory Coast’s favour, with the African champions creating several dangerous attacks as Norway briefly struggled to regain control.
Just as extra time appeared inevitable, Norway produced the decisive moment.
Midfielder Patrick Berg found Haaland inside the penalty area, and the prolific striker calmly slotted home from close range in the 86th minute to restore Norway’s advantage.
The goal was Haaland’s fifth of the tournament and his remarkable 60th international goal in just 53 appearances, further cementing his status as one of world football’s most lethal forwards.
Ivory Coast threw numbers forward during a frantic finale, but Nyland produced an important late save to deny the Elephants a dramatic equaliser as Norway held on to record one of the biggest victories in the nation’s football history.
The result also vindicated coach Ståle Solbakken’s decision to rotate several senior players during Norway’s final group-stage match against France, ensuring key figures including Haaland, Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth returned well-rested for the knockout encounter.
For Ivory Coast, the defeat ends an encouraging World Cup campaign in which they reached the knockout stages after finishing second in Group E. Despite the disappointment, the Elephants demonstrated resilience and attacking quality throughout the tournament, signalling a promising future under Emerse Faé.
Norway will now face Brazil in the Round of 16 on July 5 in East Rutherford, after the South Americans came from behind to defeat Japan 2-1 thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic stoppage-time winner.
The clash promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the last 16, with Haaland set to lead Norway against a Brazil side chasing a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title.
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