Dallas, United States- Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup in Dallas to reach the last 16 for only the third time in their history, thanks to a late strike from Erling Haaland. Antonio Nusa had given the Scandinavians the lead before half-time, but Amad Diallo levelled with a superb individual effort after the break. Just when extra time looked inevitable, Haaland delivered once again. Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil now stand in the way of a Norwegian side dreaming of surpassing their best-ever World Cup finish.
Football is often said to be decided in both penalty areas, and this match was another perfect example. Ivory Coast matched Norway throughout and created enough chances to win, only to be repeatedly denied by Ørjan Nyland. The Sevilla goalkeeper kept his side alive in the second half before Haaland punished the Africans with the one clear opportunity that came his way late on.
Ståle Solbakken's side began brightly. Within the opening minutes, Haaland headed harmlessly wide from a cross delivered from the right. Norway reverted to their strongest starting XI after rotating several players against France in their final group match. Ivory Coast had previously lined up with three wide forwards behind Bonny, with Odilon Kossounou, Nicolas Pépé and Amad Diallo providing much of their attacking threat. This time, however, head coach Emerse Faé opted for a more balanced approach, introducing an extra midfielder in Inao Oulai at the expense of Diallo.
Pépé tested Nyland with a tame effort before Ghislain Konan fired over after bursting forward from left-back. The Elephants threatened again when Diomandé delivered an inviting cross that Pépé steered narrowly wide. At the other end, Haaland failed to make the most of an Alexander Sørloth delivery. The Manchester City striker endured a frustrating first half, well marshalled by Kossounou and Agbadou.
Then, in the 38th minute, Antonio Nusa showed exactly why he is expected to be one of the hottest names in this summer's transfer window. The young RB Leipzig winger exchanged passes with Patrick Berg, who combined brilliantly with Martin Ødegaard before the Arsenal captain returned the ball to Nusa. Driving directly at Pépé, the winger curled an unstoppable effort into the top corner to score one of the finest goals of the tournament.
The goal visibly deflated Ivory Coast while lifting Norway, who almost doubled their advantage before the interval. Sangaré produced an outstanding last-ditch challenge to deny Haaland, before Sørloth flicked on a corner that the City striker somehow failed to convert.
After the restart, Norway dropped deeper and allowed Ivory Coast to dominate possession. Pépé squandered a good opportunity, finding only Nyland. Faé responded by introducing Diallo and Elye Wahi from the bench, a move that immediately changed the game. Diallo first cleared Heggem's effort off the line before producing the equaliser minutes later with a piece of outstanding individual quality. Collecting possession outside the penalty area, he exchanged passes with Pépé, skipped beyond another defender and calmly slotted past Nyland.
Following the equaliser, the tempo dropped. Ivory Coast appeared content to take the tie into extra time, while Norway seemed equally willing to accept another thirty minutes. Yet Solbakken's substitutions proved decisive. Oscar Bobb spotted Berg's perfectly timed run beyond the defence. The Bodø/Glimt midfielder collected the pass inside the area and squared for Haaland, who applied the simplest of finishes from close range. It was the striker's 60th goal in just 53 appearances for Norway.
Ivory Coast continued to push until the final whistle. Deep into stoppage time, Nyland brilliantly diverted Konan's dangerous cross before producing another superb save to deny Diallo's free-kick. The Elephants leave the tournament with plenty of credit. Their young generation possesses enormous talent, particularly in attacking areas, but ultimately lacked the composure inside both penalty boxes and the experience required to manage a knockout match. Reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time nevertheless represents a major step forward for Ivorian football.
Norway, meanwhile, continues to build on its strengths. Haaland remains relentlessly clinical, Ødegaard dictates proceedings with authority, while Nusa, Nyland and the growing influence of Bodø/Glimt's players have added fresh dimensions to Solbakken's side after impressing in the Champions League. Having ended an 18-year absence from the World Cup, Norway are determined not to stop here. Next comes Ancelotti's Brazil, led by Vinícius Júnior, in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the Round of 16.
Photos by: Mohamed Gamal Tageldin
