Norway vs Ivory Coast, World Cup result: Haaland saves Norway from advancing to the last 16 | Football News
Erling Haaland made an impact when Norway needed him most, scoring five minutes from time to help his side beat Ivory Coast 2-1 and take them into the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Antonio Nousa’s superb first-half opener gave Norway the lead before substitute Amad Diallo equalized in the 74th minute for Ivory Coast, but Haaland’s decisive intervention ensured Solbakken’s side withstood the constant pressure to hold on to a brilliant game against Brazil.
Norway takes preemptive strike, increasing pressure on Côte d’Ivoire
The last-32 tie at Dallas Stadium unfolded as expected, with Ivory Coast dominating possession and Norway looking to punish them in transition. Emmers Fae’s side had 52% of possession, completed 442 passes with 86% accuracy and forced Norway behind on several occasions, but the Scandinavian side remained disciplined in their tight defensive structure and were more clinical when opportunities presented themselves.
Norway’s Kristoffer Ajer (3) stops the ball during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Côte d’Ivoire and Norway on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Elephants continued to attack from the flanks and ended the game with 14 corner kicks to Norway’s three, but the Norwegian defense confidently executed passes in the air while waiting for opportunities to counterattack. Their breakthrough came in the 39th minute, a move that reflected their game plan perfectly. Martin Odegaard initiated the transition from midfield before quickly passing the ball to Antonio Nousa’s left flank. The winger squared up with Guerra Douai and diverted the ball to his stronger feet, creating enough space to shoot. His curling ball went beautifully past Yahia Fofana and then cut in from the top right corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance to give Norway a 1-0 lead in possession.
Norway’s Antonio Nousa (20) reacts during the World Cup round of 32 football match between Côte d’Ivoire and Norway on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, near Dallas, Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Diallo’s impact changed game before Haaland had final say
The Ivory Coast emerged after the break determined to turn the tide and increase the pressure around the Norwegian penalty area. Despite having 14 shots on goal to Norway’s nine and forcing numerous defensive interventions from their opponents, clear chances were limited as the European teams continued to protect the central area effectively.
Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo (15) (right) scores his team’s first goal during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between Côte d’Ivoire and Norway on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Faé’s changes finally paid off in the 74th minute. Nicolas Pepe found space just outside the box before linking up smartly with substitute Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger quickly played a sharp one-two with Pepe, flicked between two Norwegian defenders and coolly glanced past Ojan Nylander’s low shot to make it 1-1, a dynamic cameo that seemed to shift the momentum firmly in the Ivory Coast’s favour.
Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo (15) celebrates after scoring during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between Côte d’Ivoire and Norway in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, near Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The game entered a dramatic phase as the game entered its final stages, with both teams vying for victory rather than settling in overtime. Norway scored in the 85th minute with their biggest star. Patrick Berger won possession high up the pitch and immediately struck a dangerous low ball into the six-yard box. Haaland anticipated this sooner than anyone, evading Emmanuel Agbado’s attention and firing in from close range at Fofana to restore Norway’s advantage and silence the Ivory Coast supporters.
Clinical Norway withstands late pressure to advance to the top 16
Ivory Coast went all out in the final minutes in search of another equalizer, but Norway held on to complete one of the biggest knockout victories of this World Cup so far. Although Norway ended up with just 48% possession and completed 411 passes to Ivory Coast’s 442, their superior efficiency proved decisive. They had two of their three shots on target, while the Ivorians managed just one goal despite having five of their 14 shots on target. Norway’s pass success rate of 89% is slightly higher than Côte d’Ivoire’s 86%, despite having fewer balls. Throughout the game, the Scandinavian team was under tremendous pressure defensively. They cleared the goal multiple times in the 14 corners they conceded and committed 14 offense-breaking fouls, receiving two yellow cards, while Ivory Coast had 11 fouls and one yellow card. The win moves Norway into the last 16, where they will face five-time champions Brazil in New York on July 5. Ivory Coast ended the game after an impressive but ultimately unsuccessful campaign, in which Norway’s territorial advantage, possession and attacking volume were undermined by composure in both penalty areas and Haaland’s decisive late shot.
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