Haaland leads Norway to the Round of 16 after 28 years of absence
World Cup 2026 – Round of 32: Haaland’s 86th-minute goal gives the “Vikings” a ticket past Ivory Coast.. and Antonio Nusa shines in Norway’s first knockout appearance since the 1998 World Cup
On an exceptional night, Erling Haaland led Norway to the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup for the first time in 28 years, scoring the winning goal in the 86th minute against Ivory Coast, handing the “Vikings” a precious victory and setting up a fiery date with Brazil in New York.
The match was not just an ordinary football encounter, but a knockout epic between a team seeking its first Round of 16 appearance since the 1998 World Cup, and a team playing its first-ever knockout match in its history.
Both were chasing glory.
Haaland: A goal machine that never stops
In the end, experience and attacking efficiency were the deciding factors, thanks to Norway’s star who never stops breaking records.
Haaland, who raised his tally to 60 goals in 53 international appearances, proved once again that he is one of the most influential players in big matches, having scored in every Norway match he has played in the 2026 World Cup.
Strong start from Ivory Coast.. but Norway strike
From the first minute, Ivory Coast imposed intense attacking pressure, relying on the pace of their wingers to penetrate the Norwegian defence. Ghislain Konan nearly gave the “Elephants” the lead with a shot that hit the side netting, before Nicolas Pépé wasted the best chance of the first half after failing to convert a precise cross from Yan Diomandé in front of goal.
Despite Ivory Coast’s superiority in the early minutes, Norway were more effective in front of goal. In the 39th minute, Antonio Nusa opened the scoring, cutting inside the penalty area and firing a brilliant right-footed shot into the far corner, giving his side the lead before half-time.
After the goal, Norway’s confidence grew, and they came close to doubling their lead before the break when Alexander Sørloth set up Haaland inside the area, only for Ibrahim Sangaré to intervene at the right moment to clear the ball, before Sørloth missed another chance with a header that went wide.
Ivorian response, and Haaland’s strike
In the second half, Ivory Coast fought back into the game through substitute Amad Diallo, who equalised in the 74th minute with an impressive individual effort and a powerful shot that beat goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, the star Erling Haaland appeared in the decisive moment, scoring the winning goal in the 86th minute to secure Norway’s place in the Round of 16 for the first time since the 1998 World Cup in France.
With this goal, Haaland raised his tally to 60 goals in 53 international appearances, cementing his status as one of the best strikers in his country’s history and in the world.
Norway through to Round of 16.. Brazil awaits
With this win, Norway qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Brazil in a highly anticipated match on July 5 in New York/New Jersey.
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, exited the tournament after a historic campaign that saw them reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history, leaving with their heads held high after a strong performance against one of Europe’s most powerful teams.
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé said after the match: “This is football. When you get chances, you have to take them. We did the hard part when we equalised, but unfortunately we conceded a goal in the final minutes. At this level, matches are decided by small details.”
Numbers that immortalise Norway’s night of return to the knockout stages
Norway qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time since the 1998 World Cup.
Erling Haaland raises his tally to 60 goals in 53 international appearances.
Haaland scores in every Norway match he has played in the 2026 World Cup.
Antonio Nusa wins the Man of the Match award.
Norway have returned to the Round of 16 after 28 years of absence, thanks to their star Erling Haaland who never stops breaking records.
Now, the Norwegian Vikings await a clash with the Brazilian Samba in a fiery encounter that could write a new chapter in the “Warriors'” history at the 2026 World Cup.
Round of 32: Norway vs Ivory Coast match highlights
ملخص مباراة كوت ديفوار والنرويج | دور الـ32 – كأس العالم FIFA 2026™#كأس_العالم2026 | #مونديال2026 | #كأس_العالم#beINWC26 | #FIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/eotbXWkXL3
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 30, 2026
Round of 32 matches
Canada vs South Africa
Brazil vs Japan
Paraguay vs Germany
Morocco vs Netherlands
