By Dwayne Ferreira.
Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 as Erling Haaland struck late in Dallas, sending his side into a World Cup clash with Brazil.
Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Dallas as Erling Haaland struck an 86th-minute winner to send his side into the FIFA World Cup last 16.
The round-of-32 tie carried two very different storylines. Norway arrived with its most exciting generation in years, while Ivory Coast had already broken new ground by reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
Norway Beat Ivory Coast With Big Names Back
Norway restored its key players after heavy rotation in the final group match against France. Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth all returned, giving Ståle Solbakken’s team the attacking balance it had missed in the previous game.
Ivory Coast began with real belief. Nicolas Pépé pushed forward on the right, Ghislain Konan drove into dangerous spaces, and Yan Diomandé unsettled Norway with direct runs. The African side shaded the early stages and tested a defence that looked uneasy under pressure.
Norway slowly grew into the contest late in the first half. Haaland stayed quiet for long spells, but the support around him improved. Ødegaard began to control the rhythm, and Antonio Nusa gave Norway the lead in the 39th minute with a fine curling finish after cutting inside onto his right foot.
Ivory Coast refused to fall away. They returned after halftime with more urgency and forced Ørjan Nyland into important saves as the pressure increased. Emerse Faé then sent on Amad Diallo, and the change gave the Ivorian attack fresh energy.
Haaland Delivers Late World Cup Winner
Amad levelled the match in the 74th minute with a superb solo goal. He linked up with Pépé, held off pressure, slipped past defenders and drove a shot into the turf that bounced beyond Nyland. The equaliser sparked huge celebrations and pushed the game towards extra time.
However, Haaland delivered when Norway needed him most. In the 86th minute, substitute Oscar Bobb found Patrick Berg inside the box. Berg squared the ball across goal, and Haaland reacted at the far post to force the finish over the line for his fifth goal of the tournament.
Ivory Coast almost dragged the match into extra time during stoppage time. But Nyland made a vital save from Amad’s free kick and protected Norway’s lead. The final whistle confirmed Norway’s first World Cup knockout-round victory.
For Ivory Coast, the defeat brought heartbreak after a brave and ambitious display. They showed pace, courage and attacking quality, but one late moment changed everything. For Norway, the win extends a remarkable campaign and sets up a major last-16 meeting with Brazil in New York.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ivory Coast – 1
Amad Diallo 74’
Norway – 2
Antonio Nusa 39’
Erling Haaland 86’
Result: Norway won 2-1
Player of the Match: Erling Haaland
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Next Fixture: Brazil vs Norway, Round of 16, July 5
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