World Cup 2026: Norway Edge Ivory Coast 2-1 to Reach Knockout Round

Haaland’s late winner sends Norway past Ivory Coast into World Cup last 16

Norway held off a late Ivory Coast fightback thanks to Nyland’s late free-kick save. Despite Amad’s brilliance, the Elephants’ 14 corners couldn’t prevent a 2-1 defeat and World Cup exit.

‘He does what he does best’ says Haaland as he fires Norway into World Cup last 16...

Erling Haaland was the match-winner as Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 to reach the World Cup last 16 for the first time. 

The Ivorians showed their quality in their debut knockout game, but a late strike from Haaland ended their strong recent run of six wins and a draw and kept them from advancing further in the tournament.

Norway came out aggressively, and Haaland had an early chance inside the opening minutes, only to see his header blocked with ease.

A slightly wayward pass from Martin Odegaard cost the star striker an even clearer early opening. At the other end, Ghislain Konan carved out space but scuffed his shot into the side netting from a tight angle. 

Ivory Coast then started to take control, and Nicolas Pepe had their best chance yet. Picked out at the back post by Yan Diomande, he failed to hit the target or find a teammate.

With the half threatening to end goalless, Antonio Nusa produced a moment of brilliance for Norway. The RB Leipzig winger, Diomande’s club teammate, cut in from the left and curled a superb effort past Yahia Fofana to put the Vikings ahead.

That goal finally brought the game to life, and Stale Solbakken’s men almost made it 2-0 before half-time. Haaland looked set to score but was denied by another last-ditch block.

He came even closer moments later, narrowly missing Alexander Sorloth’s flick from the resulting corner. Wilfried Singo also went down for a weak penalty shout as Ivory Coast pushed for an equaliser before the break.

Pepe remained a threat after the restart and forced Orjan Nyland into his first genuine save, beating the keeper’s reflexes with a sharp strike at the near post.

The chances opened up at both ends. Sander Berge almost made it 2-0 almost by accident, as a dangerous cross bounced through and landed safely in Fofana’s gloves. Torbjorn Heggem came closer still, but Amad Diallo produced a stunning goal-line clearance from the substitute’s towering corner header to keep Ivory Coast in it. 

Amad then hit back in style at the other end and staked his claim after being left out initially by manager Emerse Faé. The Manchester United attacker weaved through Norway’s defence and finished emphatically, a strike that’s sure to be in the running for goal of the tournament.

But just as Ivory Coast looked to be gaining momentum, Haaland did what he does best. He arrived at the right spot to turn in Patrick Berg’s cut-back and seal the win with a decisive tap-in.

Norway held on late, with Nyland staying alert to deny a final equaliser by tipping Amad’s brilliant free-kick over the bar and securing a spot in the last 16.

Norway now face a very different challenge against Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil, with England also in the mix as a possible quarter-final opponent.

For Ivory Coast, the frustration will be their lack of a killer touch in key moments, despite winning 14 corners. Still, they exit North America with pride, having reached the knockout round for the first time and performed well throughout the tournament.