Norway send Ivory Coast out of 2026 World Cup

Norway secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast to reach the FIFA World Cup last 16. Erling Haaland scored a dramatic late winner to end Ivory Coast’s campaign and send Norway into the next round.

Antonio Nusa gave Norway the lead in the first half with a superb curling strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance. However, Ivory Coast fought back when Manchester United winger Amad Diallo produced a brilliant solo run before scoring the equaliser.

The match remained evenly balanced for much of the second half, with both teams searching for the winning goal. Haaland had been quiet for most of the game, but he stepped up when it mattered most.

The Norwegian striker found himself in the right position inside the penalty area and calmly finished from close range to score his fifth goal of the tournament and seal a dramatic victory for his side. The goal also extended Haaland’s remarkable scoring streak. The 25-year-old has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive matches for Norway, finding the net 22 times during that impressive run.

Also Read: France beat Sweden to move into World Cup last 16

Norway’s victory also ended a long wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal. It was the country’s first goal in the tournament’s knockout rounds since 1938. Norway will now face Brazil in New York on July 5 for a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. The upcoming clash promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

Ivory Coast’s FIFA World Cup journey came to an end despite a determined performance. The African side challenged Norway throughout the match but could not prevent Haaland from delivering the decisive moment.