June 30 (THEWILL) — Erling Haaland delivered once again as Norway claimed a historic 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast on Tuesday, booking their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic late winner.
The Manchester City striker struck four minutes from time to cap another decisive performance, sending Norway into the last 16 for the first time after ending the spirited challenge of an Ivory Coast side that dominated large portions of the contest but failed to make their superiority count.
The Round of 32 encounter marked a milestone for both nations. Norway were playing in their first World Cup knockout match since returning to the global stage after a 28-year absence, while the Ivory Coast were making their maiden appearance in the tournament’s knockout phase.
Norway made the breakthrough in the 39th minute through Antonio Nusa, whose composed finish rewarded a disciplined first-half display and handed the Scandinavians a narrow lead heading into the interval.
Ivory Coast emerged with greater urgency after the restart and gradually took control of proceedings. Their persistence was rewarded in the 74th minute when Amad Diallo combined brilliantly with Nicolas Pépé before firing a left-footed effort beyond the goalkeeper to bring the Elephants level.
With momentum on their side, the Africans pressed for a second goal, forcing Norway deep into their own half and piling on pressure through a succession of attacks and set-pieces.
However, Norway’s biggest star delivered when it mattered most.
In the 86th minute, Patrick Berg slipped a precise pass into the path of Haaland, who kept his composure to guide the ball into the net and restore Norway’s advantage, sparking jubilant celebrations among the travelling supporters.
The statistics reflected the Ivory Coast’s dominance for much of the evening. The Elephants finished with 52 per cent possession, attempted 14 shots to Norway’s nine, and earned an overwhelming 14 corners compared to just three for their opponents. Yet Norway’s efficiency in front of goal ultimately proved decisive.
Haaland’s latest strike continued his outstanding tournament, with the prolific forward scoring in all three of Norway’s World Cup matches to underline his status as one of the competition’s most dangerous attackers.
The victory sends Norway into a mouthwatering Round of 16 encounter against five-time world champions Brazil, who also needed a stoppage-time winner to overcome Japan in their Round of 32 clash.
For the Ivory Coast, the defeat brings an encouraging World Cup campaign to an end. Despite falling at the first knockout hurdle, the Elephants impressed throughout the tournament and left with plenty of positives after competing strongly against one of Europe’s rising forces.
