Norway are through to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 in a tightly contested Round of 32 match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute, completing Norway’s comeback after a closely fought encounter and sealing what is the country’s first victory in a World Cup knockout fixture. Antonio Nusa had given Norway the lead in the 39th minute with a composed finish following sustained pressure from the Scandinavian side. Ivory Coast responded midway through the second half when Amad Diallo equalised in the 74th minute, raising hopes of forcing extra time. However, Norway continued to press forward in the closing stages and found the breakthrough four minutes from time. Haaland, returning to the starting line-up after missing the previous match, capitalised on a late attacking move to score the winner and send Norway into the next round.

The victory marks a significant milestone for Norway, whose previous World Cup appearances had never produced a knockout-stage win. Their disciplined defensive display, coupled with clinical finishing at key moments, proved enough to eliminate the African side.

Ivory Coast leave the tournament after a campaign that showed promise but ultimately ended in disappointment despite recovering from an early deficit. The West Africans created several chances during the second half but were unable to prevent Norway’s late winner.

Norway now advance to the Round of 16 with growing confidence as they seek to extend their best-ever World Cup run.