Haaland's Late Winner Sends Norway Past Ivory Coast Into World Cup Last-16

Published 30 June 2026 · sports

Haaland's Late Winner Sends Norway Past Ivory Coast Into World Cup Last-16 Published By, Last Updated: July 01, 2026, 00:40 IST Erling Haaland scores late

Haaland's Late Winner Sends Norway Past Ivory Coast Into World Cup Last-16 Published By, Last Updated: July 01, 2026, 00:40 IST Erling Haaland scores late as Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Texas, securing their first FIFA World Cup knockout win and a last 16 clash with Brazil in New Jersey. Norway's David Moeller Wolfe (5) and Torbjoern Heggem (17) celebrate as Ivory Coast players lie on the pitch, after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Norway booked their place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Texas on Tuesday, thanks to a late strike from Erling Haaland that sealed the country’s first-ever knockout-stage win at the tournament.

With extra time approaching, Haaland pounced inside the si yard box to turn home Patrick Berg’s cross in the 86th minute. The close-range finish, his fifth goal of the competition, earned Norway a meeting with five-time world champions Brazil in Sunday’s round-of-16 clash in New Jersey. The contest took time to come alive as both sides struggled to create clear openings in a physical first half. Ivory Coast’s best early opportunity fell to Ghislain Konan, whose run into the box ended with an effort into the side netting. The Ivorians were also left frustrated when referee Jesus Valenzuela chose not to caution Norway defender David Moller Wolfe after he brought down the dangerous Yan Diomande during a counterattack. The teenage winger, reportedly on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain from RB Leipzig, became increasingly influential and caused problems down the left flank.

Despite seeing little of the ball in attacking areas, Norway struck first through a moment of brilliance. Martin Odegaard slipped a pass to Antonio Nusa, who cut inside before curling a sensational effort into the top corner six minutes before half-time. The stunning finish left Odegaard holding his head in disbelief, while Haaland nearly doubled the lead before the interval only to be denied by Ibrahim Sangare’s desperate block. Ivory Coast responded strongly after the break, with Nicolas Pepe forcing goalkeeper Orjan Nyland into a smart save. Substitute Amad Diallo then made an immediate impact, first clearing a Norway effort off the goal line before producing an outstanding equaliser in the 74th minute, weaving past defenders and firing home. The equaliser appeared to have shifted momentum, but Norway had the final say. Berg’s delivery found Haaland in front of goal, and the Manchester City striker made no mistake to restore the lead.