Norway’s forward #09 Erling Braut Haaland (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Ivory Coast and Norway at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 30, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Erling Haaland came up with the decisive goal as Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 on Tuesday to reach the Round of 16 and record the country’s first-ever win in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.
It was a cruel way for Ivory Coast to go out, especially after Amad Diallo had dragged them back into the contest with a brilliant second-half display.
Norway struck first in the 36th minute. Antonio Nusa collected the ball on the left, drove at the defence and finished well to give his side a deserved lead before the break.
Ivory Coast looked a different team after halftime. They pushed higher, asked more questions and eventually got the goal they had been chasing. In the 74th minute, Amad kept his cool inside the box and slotted home to make it 1-1.
For a while, it looked like the match was heading for extra time.
Then Norway found one last opening. Oscar Bobb was involved in the build-up before Patrick Berg flashed a low ball across the face of goal. Haaland had the easiest job of all, arriving at the far post to poke it in with four minutes left.
The Ivorians refused to give up. Deep into stoppage time, Amad stepped up with a dangerous free-kick that looked destined for the corner, but goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland got across to push it away and preserve Norway’s lead.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Norwegian players. It was more than just a place in the last 16. It was their first victory in a World Cup knockout match, and it sets up a mouthwatering meeting with Brazil.
For Haaland, it was another milestone. His winner made him the first player in 72 years to score in each of his first three World Cup starts. It also took his international tally to an incredible 60 goals in 53 appearances for Norway.
There was heartbreak at the other end. Amad, who was easily one of Ivory Coast’s best players on the night, could not hold back the tears after the final whistle. He had given everything, inspired his team back into the game and almost forced extra time, but it still wasn’t enough.
