Norway advances to Round of 16 after late Haaland goal against Ivory Coast

By Arjun Nair / 01.07.2026

By Arjun Nair — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Norway secures victory in Dallas

Norway secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in a thrilling match at Dallas Stadium, advancing to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decisive goal came late in the game from Erling Haaland, eliminating Ivory Coast from the tournament. The match saw both teams create scoring opportunities, with Norway ultimately prevailing in a hard-fought contest.

The game began with Norway struggling to find their rhythm, often resorting to square passes and failing to effectively involve Erling Haaland in the early stages. This allowed Ivory Coast, also known as Les Éléphants, to gain confidence and assert themselves in the match. Norway’s defense faced continuous pressure as an error-prone midfield offered limited protection against Ivory Coast’s attacks.

Despite the early challenges, Norway broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. Antonio Nusa collected the ball on the edge of the area and struck it powerfully, sending it into the top-right corner of the net. This goal came somewhat against the run of play, as Norway had spent much of the opening half-hour chasing the game. Following Nusa’s goal, Norway began to assert more control, carrying much of the play into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

Second half drama and equalisers

The second half commenced with an open style of play, providing both teams with significant chances to score. Norway nearly extended their lead when Torbjørn Heggem met a corner kick from Martin Odegaard, just six yards out. However, Amad Diallo, who had just been introduced into the game, was positioned on the goal line and managed to clear the ball, preventing a second Norway goal.

During the second-half hydration break, Norway made defensive substitutions in an attempt to maintain their lead. However, these changes did not prevent Ivory Coast from equalizing shortly thereafter. Amad Diallo, a Manchester United player, executed a quick one-two pass with Nicolas Pépé outside the box. He then dribbled past Moller Wolfe and Sander Berge before unleashing a left-footed shot that found the bottom-left corner of the net, leveling the score with approximately a quarter of an hour remaining in the match.

Diallo’s impact was notable; he had previously played a role in a dangerous moment for Ivory Coast when his cross from the left found Nicolas Pepe unmarked at the far post. Although Pepe’s initial effort was not destined for the net, Marcus Pedersen had to clear it away. Diallo also nearly brought his team back into contention in the dying minutes with a powerful free-kick that was acrobatically saved by Norway’s watchful goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland.

Haaland’s late winner and upcoming fixture

In the 86th minute, Erling Haaland scored the winning goal for Norway, breaking Ivorian hearts. The move originated on the Norwegian right side, where Patrick Berg received an exquisite through ball. Berg then crossed into the middle of the box, where Haaland, who had been largely uninvolved for much of the game, was positioned in front of an open net. His soft touch, which appeared almost like an attempt to control the ball, saw it scoot over the line, giving Norway a 2-1 lead.

This goal marked Haaland’s fifth of the tournament. The Ivory Coast pressed hard in the final minutes, seeking an equalizer to force extra time, but Nyland’s crucial save from Diallo’s free-kick ensured Norway’s progression. The victory was a testament to Norway’s collective effort, as the players celebrated by sitting before their supporters and rowing together, symbolizing their shared endeavor.

Norway will now face five-time World Cup champion Brazil in their next match, scheduled for July 5 in New York.

Source: thehindu.com