Erling Haaland's Late Goal Sends Norway to Round of 16 in FIFA World Cup 2026

Norway Triumphs Over Ivory Coast in World Cup Showdown

In a thrilling encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Norway narrowly defeated Ivory Coast 2-1, securing their spot in the Round of 16 thanks to a last-minute goal from Erling Haaland on Tuesday.

Haaland, who continues to build his impressive international record, scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute, marking his 60th goal for Norway and extending his remarkable World Cup scoring streak.

The first half was dominated by Ivory Coast, showcasing their speed and physicality, but they struggled to convert their chances. A notable moment came when Orjan Nyland made a crucial save against Nicolas Pepe. Norway then took the lead when Antonio Nusa curled a stunning shot into the top corner just before halftime.

After the break, Amad Diallo emerged as a key player for Ivory Coast, equalizing in the 74th minute after a brilliant solo effort that thrilled the crowd in Dallas.

However, the night belonged to Haaland. With just minutes remaining, he capitalized on a low cross from Oscar Bobb, scoring from close range to secure the victory and a historic knockout-stage win for Norway, their first ever in World Cup history.

Norway's previous attempts in 1938 and 1998 ended in defeats against Italy, making this victory particularly significant. Antonio Nusa also made history as the youngest Norwegian to score in a major tournament.

Despite a late push from Ivory Coast, who won a corner in stoppage time, Norway's defense held strong, allowing them to advance to face Brazil in the next round.

This match marked a historic moment for Ivory Coast as it was their first-ever knockout match in World Cup history.