Erling Haaland struck a late winner as Norway edged out Ivory Coast 2-1 to book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, where they will face five-time champions Brazil.
With the Round of 32 contest seemingly destined for extra time, the Manchester City striker tapped home Sander Berge’s cross in the 86th minute to secure Norway’s first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
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Antonio Nusa had given Norway a deserved first-half lead with his ninth international goal, but Manchester United winger Amad Diallo produced a moment of brilliance to level for Côte d’Ivoire before Haaland had the final say.
The Elephants started brightly and should have taken the lead when Yan Diomande’s cross found Nicolas Pépé inside the penalty area. However, the forward opted to cushion a volley across goal instead of shooting, allowing Norway to escape.
