Norway secures last 16 spot with dramatic win over Côte d’Ivoire

By Rohan Gupta — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Haaland’s decisive goal

Erling Haaland scored a late winner for Norway, securing their place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire. The decisive goal came in the 86th minute at Dallas Stadium, marking Haaland’s fifth goal of the tournament. This result sets up a match against Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The match saw Norway take a first-half lead through Antonio Nusa. However, Amad Diallo, who came on as a substitute, equalised for Côte d’Ivoire, making the game intensely competitive until Haaland’s intervention. Norway’s coach, Ståle Solbakken, had made a strategic decision to rest key players in their final group game, a move that drew criticism but was ultimately vindicated by this victory.

Solbakken praised Haaland, calling him “the greatest goalscorer in the world” and highlighting his ability to bring “coldness to the team.” He also noted Haaland’s underrated skill in holding up the ball. Haaland’s goal was his 60th in his 53rd appearance for his country, a significant achievement for the striker.

Match dynamics and key moments

Côte d’Ivoire started the game impressively, particularly with Nicolas Pépé threatening down the right flank. Ghislain Konan also came close to scoring early on. Despite their strong start and dominating possession, Côte d’Ivoire struggled to convert their opportunities into goals, a recurring issue for the team since their Africa Cup of Nations victory.

Norway’s opening goal came six minutes before half-time. Martin Ødegaard passed the ball to Nusa on the left, who then cut inside Pépé and curled a precise shot past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. This goal shifted the momentum, with Norway appearing to be in control for a period.

The game’s intensity surged with the introduction of Amad Diallo. He first made a crucial clearance to deny a goal-bound volley from Torbjørn Heggem. Shortly after, with 16 minutes remaining, Diallo scored a stunning equaliser. He combined with Pépé, evaded several Norwegian defenders, and struck a shot that bounced past Ørjan Nyland, bringing Côte d’Ivoire back into the game.

Despite Diallo’s heroics, Haaland had the final say. Substitute Oscar Bobb, a former clubmate of Haaland’s, played the ball to Patrick Berg inside the penalty area. Berg then set up Haaland, who scored into an open net with Fofana out of position. Nyland later made a crucial save from a Diallo free-kick in stoppage time, preserving Norway’s narrow lead.

Historical context and future challenge

For both teams, reaching this stage of the tournament was a rare achievement. Côte d’Ivoire had never before advanced past the group stage in a World Cup. Norway’s previous knockout stage appearances were in 1938 and 1998, both ending in defeats to Italy. Solbakken’s tactical changes were aimed at overcoming this historical hurdle.

Norway’s style of play in this match, which involved sitting back and defending, marked a departure from their usual free-scoring approach. This adaptability proved effective against Côte d’Ivoire, despite the latter’s significant possession. The victory means Norway will face Brazil in the next round, a team they have never beaten in international competition.

The match also highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing challenge with converting possession into goals, a pattern observed in their 3-2 defeat by Egypt in the Cup of Nations quarter-final in January. Their journey in the World Cup concludes with this 2-1 loss.

Source: theguardian.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter