Haaland Sends Norway Into 2026 World Cup Last 16 As Ivory Coast Exit

Norway booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 16 with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, as Erling Braut Haaland scored a late winner to end the Africans’ historic run.

It was Norway’s first knockout win at the World Cup after three attempts, while Ivory Coast’s first appearance beyond the group stage came to a painful end despite an impressive display.

Norway made the brighter start, with Haaland threatening early, but Ivory Coast soon settled and carved out chances of their own. Nicolas Pépé went close after meeting Yan Diomandé’s cross, while Ghislain Konan fired into the side netting. Just before half-time, Antonio Nusa broke the deadlock with a superb curling effort that beat Yahia Fofana after cutting in from the left.

Ivory Coast responded strongly after the restart, forcing Ørjan Nyland into action as Pépé tested the goalkeeper from close range. Norway also threatened, but Amad Diallo produced a brilliant goal-line clearance to deny Torbjørn Heggem before making an even bigger impact at the other end.

The Manchester United winger spectacularly levelled the match, weaving through the Norwegian defence before finishing emphatically to revive Ivory Coast’s hopes. However, Haaland had the final say, arriving inside the box to convert Patrick Berg’s square pass and restore Norway’s lead with the decisive goal.

Nyland preserved the advantage in the closing stages by tipping Amad’s dangerous free-kick over the crossbar, sealing Norway’s place in the next round. They will now face Brazil for a place in the quarter-finals, while Ivory Coast bow out with pride after their best-ever World Cup campaign.