Erling Haaland scored a dramatic 86th-minute winner to give Norway a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in Texas, USA, on Tuesday. The win sends Norway to the Round of 16 for the first time in their history, where they will face Brazil.
First Half: Norway Takes the Lead
Ivory Coast dominated the opening 38 minutes with physical, fast, and relentless play but failed to convert chances. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made a key save to deny Nicolas Pepe. Against the run of play, Norway broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when 21-year-old Antonio Nusa curled a superb effort into the top corner from outside the box, finishing a move started by captain Martin Odegaard. Nusa became the youngest-ever goalscorer for Norway at a major tournament.
Second Half: Ivory Coast Equalizes
Ivory Coast pushed forward after the break and found an equalizer in the 74th minute through Amad Diallo. Diallo started the move on the right wing, exchanged a one-two with Pepe, then dribbled past two defenders in the box before slotting home. The goal sparked celebrations, but Norway responded quickly.
Haaland's Late Heroics
With four minutes left, Haaland scored his 60th international goal, reacting quickest inside the box to convert a low cross from Patrick Berg, following a flowing team move involving Oscar Bobb. The goal extended Haaland's historic World Cup goal-scoring run and placed him alongside legends like Gerd Muller, Eusebio, and Just Fontaine in terms of international goals.
According to OptaPaolo, this is Norway's first-ever World Cup knockout victory, having lost their previous two knockout matches in 1938 and 1998, both against Italy.
Ivory Coast's Exit
Ivory Coast threw men forward in stoppage time, winning a late corner in the 92nd minute, but Norway defended resolutely to hold on. Ivory Coast exits the tournament after a spirited performance, having played their first-ever World Cup knockout match.
Next Match: Norway vs Brazil
Norway will now face Brazil in the Round of 16, a daunting challenge but one they will approach with confidence after this historic win.
