ARLINGTON, Texas — Norway booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 in a dramatic knockout clash, with Erling Haaland scoring a late winner to end the African side’s impressive campaign.
Antonio Nusa gave Norway the lead in the 39th minute with a curling strike against the run of play after Ivory Coast had dominated much of the first half.
Ivory Coast responded strongly after the break, and substitute Amad Diallo made an immediate impact. The winger first cleared a Norwegian effort off the goal line before producing a brilliant solo run and finish in the 74th minute to level the score.
With extra time looming, Haaland struck in the 86th minute, tapping home from close range after a well-worked Norwegian move to seal a 2-1 victory and send his side into the last 16, where they will face Brazil.
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé praised his youthful squad despite the defeat, saying a lack of experience proved costly in the closing stages.
“We lacked maturity at key moments. After equalising, we needed to remain compact and disciplined, but against a team like Norway, even a small mistake is punished,” Faé said.
The defeat ends a memorable World Cup campaign for Ivory Coast, who reached the knockout stage for the first time after finishing second in Group E with victories over Ecuador and Curaçao before falling to Norway.
For Norway, the win marked their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match and kept alive hopes of a deep run in the tournament, led by the prolific Haaland, who continued his impressive scoring form.
