Norway advances to last 16 with dramatic Haaland w...

By Ishaan Kapoor — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Norway secured a spot in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire at Dallas Stadium. The decisive goal came late in the match from Erling Haaland, eliminating Côte d’Ivoire from the tournament.

The match saw Norway take the lead in the first half through Antonio Nusa. However, Côte d’Ivoire, known as Les Éléphants, managed to equalize with a notable goal from Amad Diallo. Despite the late comeback attempt from Côte d’Ivoire, Haaland‘s goal in the 86th minute sealed the win for Norway.

First half sees Norway take lead

After a period where Norway largely chased the game, they broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Antonio Nusa scored with a strike that curled into the far corner, giving Norway a 1-0 lead. This goal came against the run of play, as Côte d’Ivoire had dominated possession earlier in the half.

Minutes after Nusa‘s goal, Haaland nearly extended Norway‘s lead with a close-range shot that was blocked. The subsequent corner also saw the striker unable to convert. Norway maintained their 1-0 advantage going into halftime, having gained control of the game after their opening goal.

Côte d’Ivoire had started the match impressively, controlling possession, though their threat primarily came down the flank. Nicolas Pépé, now with Villarreal, displayed directness and verve, creating opportunities. He had a significant chance in the first half from a Yan Diomande cross, but his volley went across the goal and was cleared by Kristoffer Ajer.

The opening goal for Norway came six minutes before the break. Martin Ødegaard passed the ball wide to Nusa, who then stepped inside Pépé and delivered a precise finish around Yahia Fofana into the corner of the net. This put Norway in a seemingly comfortable position.

Second half drama and late winner

The second half began with both teams creating scoring opportunities. A key moment for Norway came from a corner kick where Torbjørn Heggem‘s shot was blocked off the line by Côte d’Ivoire midfielder Amad Diallo. This intervention proved crucial as Diallo later scored the equalizer.

Following defensive substitutions by Norway during a hydration break, Côte d’Ivoire equalized through Diallo. The Manchester United player executed a quick one-two with Nicolas Pépé, dribbled through the Norwegian defense, and scored with a left-footed shot that bounced over Ørjan Nyland.

However, Haaland ultimately secured the win for Norway. The move originated on the Norwegian right, with Patrick Berg delivering a through ball. Berg then crossed into the box to Haaland, who had an open net. His soft touch, which appeared to be an attempt to control the ball, saw it scoot over the line for the winning goal in the 86th minute. Haaland now has five goals in the tournament.

Côte d’Ivoire pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes, including a free-kick from Diallo that was saved by Nyland. This match marked a rare achievement for both teams, as neither had previously won a knockout game at a World Cup. Côte d’Ivoire had never progressed past the group stage despite winning a game in every World Cup appearance. Norway had only played two knockout games before, losing both to Italy in 1938 and 1998.

Norway‘s coach, Ståle Solbakken, had made significant changes to his squad in the previous group game against France, a decision that drew criticism but was ultimately vindicated by this victory. Patrick Berg, a midfielder from Bodø/Glimt, was the only player to start both of Norway‘s last two matches and provided the assist for Haaland‘s winner. Norway will now face Brazil in the Round of 16 at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 5.

NewsIndia

Norway advances to last 16 with dramatic Haaland winner against Côte d’Ivoire

First half sees Norway take lead

Second half drama and late winner

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Ishaan Kapoor