Haaland scores late winner as Norway edge past Ivory Coast 2-1 to secure Round of 16 berth, face Brazil next

In a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, Norway faced Ivory Coast at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas on July 1, battling for a spot in the Round of 16. Thanks to a decisive late strike from Erling Haaland, Norway secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory to advance to the next stage.

Both teams started at a blistering pace. In the 39th minute, Norway broke the deadlock: Martin Ødegaard delivered a precise pass from midfield, and Antonio Nusa received the ball in the left side of the box, cleverly evaded a defender, and curled a shot into the far corner to give Norway a 1-0 lead. Haaland had several attempts on goal but failed to add to the tally. At halftime, Norway held a one-goal advantage.

In the second half, Norway came close to doubling their lead. Around the 70th minute, Jens Petter Hauge's close-range shot was brilliantly cleared off the line by Ivory Coast's Amad. Just four minutes later, however, the tide turned: Amad produced a solo run and equalized with a fine finish, making it 1-1. As the match neared its end, in the 86th minute, Patrick Berg advanced forward, received a pass, and laid it off for Haaland, who calmly slotted home from close range to complete the winner. Norway regained the lead at 2-1.

When the final whistle blew, Norway had defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to book their place in the Round of 16. In the next round, they will face a formidable Brazil side, while Ivory Coast's World Cup campaign comes to an end.