Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to book a place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Brazil.
The Manchester City striker struck in the 86th minute, finishing from close range after Patrick Berg’s low cutback, to seal Norway’s first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match.
Norway had taken the lead in the 39th minute through Antonio Nusa, who produced a superb individual effort by cutting inside from the left before curling a right-footed shot into the top corner.
Amad inspires Ivory Coast response
Ivory Coast struggled to threaten for much of the first half after coach Emerse Fae opted for a more cautious approach, leaving Manchester United winger Amad Diallo on the bench.
The introduction of Amad after the break transformed the African side. The winger levelled the score in the 74th minute with a brilliant solo effort, beating two defenders before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper for his second goal of the tournament.
Moments earlier, Amad had also prevented Norway from extending their lead by clearing Torbjorn Heggem’s goal-bound volley off the line.
Haaland has final say
Despite Ivory Coast’s improved display, Haaland delivered the decisive moment late in the contest. The striker reacted quickest inside the penalty area to convert Berg’s cross from six yards and send Norway into the next round.
The goal extended Haaland’s remarkable scoring streak to 13 consecutive competitive international matches for Norway.
Ivory Coast pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages but could not find a way past Norway’s defence.
Brazil await Norway
The victory sends Norway into the last 16, where they will meet Brazil following the South American side’s dramatic comeback victory over Japan.
The clash is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, with the winners advancing to the quarter-finals, where a meeting with England could await.
For Ivory Coast, the defeat ends their World Cup campaign despite a spirited second-half fightback, while Norway continue their best-ever run at the tournament with Haaland once again proving the difference.
