World Cup: Haaland fires Norway past Ivory Coast to set up Brazil showdown

Erling Haaland struck a late winner as Norway edged out Ivory Coast 2-1 to book their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, where they will face five-time champions Brazil.

With the Round of 32 contest seemingly destined for extra time, the Manchester City striker tapped home Sander Berge’s cross in the 86th minute to secure Norway’s first-ever World Cup knockout victory.

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Antonio Nusa had given Norway a deserved first-half lead with his ninth international goal, but Manchester United winger Amad Diallo produced a moment of brilliance to level for Côte d’Ivoire before Haaland had the final say.

The Elephants started brightly and should have taken the lead when Yan Diomande’s cross found Nicolas Pépé inside the penalty area. However, the forward opted to cushion a volley across goal instead of shooting, allowing Norway to escape.

Norway broke the deadlock six minutes before half-time through a stunning strike from Nusa. Martin Ødegaard picked out the youngster inside the box, and he cut onto his right foot before curling an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

Haaland came close to doubling Norway’s advantage early in the second half, but Ibrahim Sangaré produced a superb block to deny the prolific striker.

Ivory Coast responded through Amad, whose fine finish restored parity and set up a tense finale.

Just as extra time beckoned, Berge delivered a dangerous cross into the six-yard box, and Haaland arrived at the perfect moment to steer the ball home, sparking wild celebrations among the Norway players.

The victory ended Norway’s long wait for a World Cup knockout-stage win after first-round exits in their previous appearances in 1938 and 1998.

Haaland’s decisive strike was his fifth goal of the tournament, leaving him just one behind Golden Boot leader Lionel Messi on six.

Norway will now face Brazil on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals in one of the standout ties of the Round of 16.