Haaland’s late winner helps Norway defeat Ivory Coast
Erling Haaland’s late winner sent Norway through to the Round of 16 as the Ivory Coast’s World Cup journey came to an end.
Tuesday’s Round of 32 clash in Dallas saw Norway face the Ivory Coast, as the Elephants reached their first-ever knockout game in the World Cup.
The Norwegians broke the deadlock with a brilliant strike from Antonio Nusa in the 39th minute, assisted by Martin Odegaard. The goal also marked Norway’s fifth first-half goal in four games, with only Canada and Brazil scoring more in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Norway had several chances to double the lead twice before half-time, with chances from Haaland and Sorloth being blocked by the Ivory Coast’s defence.
Minutes into the second half, Amad Diallo came on as a substitute and made a big impact, levelling the game with a superb goal off a lovely touch from Nicolas Pepe before dribbling past Norway’s defence to equalise for his side.
The goal makes Amad only the third player to score twice off the bench at a single World Cup for an African nation.
Right before the end of regular time, Erling Haaland saved the day for Norway, finishing a quick counterattack after Patrick Berg made a strong run and picked out the pass to Haaland to secure his fifth goal of the tournament.
At the final whistle, Norway advanced to the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, while the Ivory Coast’s campaign came to an end as the second African nation to exit the tournament after two victories and two defeats.
Norway advances to the next stage of the knockouts, clashing with Brazil on Sunday at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.
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