Norway achieved an important victory over the Ivory Coast, score 2-1, in a duel that mattered in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The Nordics demonstrated more efficiency in the decisive moments, and the difference was made by Haaland.
Norway will meet Brazil in the round of 16, a match that will be played in New York, on July 5, from 23:00.
Norway made a poor start to the clash in Dallas and struggled in the first half hour, during which Ivory Coast controlled the game. The Africans, however, were unable to maintain their pace and the Nordics struck on the counter-attack in the 39th minute. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring with a spectacular finish after breaking in from the left flank and sending an impeccable shot into the far corner. The score was 1-0 at halftime for Norway.
Amad Diallo equalized for Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast started the second half strongly and forced an equaliser. Pepe was close to scoring in the 55th minute, but goalkeeper Nyland came to the rescue, rejecting the Ivorian’s powerful shot with his foot. Two minutes later, Bonny also tested the Norwegian goalkeeper, but to no avail.
Norway responded with a set piece executed by Odegaard. Berge failed to take advantage of his colleague’s cross, and Fofana caught it without problems. The Scandinavians came close to doubling their advantage through Heggem, whose shot, after a corner by the same Odegaard, was deflected off the goal line. Substitute Amad Diallo restored parity in the 74th minute, scoring for 1-1 with a shot from inside the box.
Erling Haaland decided Norway’s qualification
When the game seemed to be heading for extra time, Erling Haaland made the difference. In the 86th minute, Berg penetrated on the right side and sent them perfectly in front of the goal, and the Norwegian striker scored from the first time, with his left. The goal was Haaland’s fifth of this World Cup, bringing him within a single success of Lionel Messi in the scorers’ ranking. In extra time, Ivory Coast did not have the chance to equalize, and Norway was the one who got the ticket for the eighth.
