By Francis Onyach - Reporter
United States, 30 June 2026 - Erling Haaland once again proved why he is regarded as one of the world's deadliest strikers, scoring a late winner as Norway edged Ivory Coast 2-1 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash to book their place in the last 16.
Just when the match appeared destined for extra time following Amad Diallo's brilliant equaliser, Haaland struck four minutes from time to send the Scandinavian nation into the next round, where they will face five-time champions Brazil. For Ivory Coast, it was a cruel end to an impressive World Cup campaign that had seen them emerge as one of Africa's surprise packages.
Played before a lively crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the contest lived up to expectations as two exciting attacking sides battled for a place in the knockout stage's next round.
Norway welcomed back several first-choice players after resting much of their starting XI in their final group match against France. Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth all returned to the lineup as head coach Ståle Solbakken fielded his strongest available side. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, made three changes, with Emerse Faé looking to build on a strong group-stage campaign that had seen the Elephants finish runners-up in Group E.
The opening stages were evenly contested, with Ivory Coast showing confidence in possession and creating several promising attacking moves. Nicolas Pépé and Ange-Yoan Bonny asked questions of the Norwegian defence, while Haaland was closely marked by Odilon Kossounou and Emmanuel Agbadou, limiting the Manchester City striker's influence early on.
Despite Ivory Coast's positive start, it was Norway who struck first.
In the 39th minute, Antonio Nusa produced a moment of brilliance. Collecting the ball on the left edge of the penalty area, the winger shifted onto his right foot before curling an unstoppable effort into the far top corner beyond Yahia Fofana. It was a goal worthy of the knockout stage and gave Norway a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Ivory Coast responded with renewed urgency after halftime, and coach Emerse Faé's introduction of Amad Diallo in the 59th minute transformed the contest.
The Manchester United winger immediately injected pace, creativity and directness into the Ivorian attack. His movement caused problems for Norway's back line, and his influence grew with every touch.
His moment arrived in the 74th minute.
Picking up the ball outside the area, Diallo drove at the Norwegian defence before weaving past defenders and calmly finishing beyond Ørjan Nyland to bring Ivory Coast level at 1-1. It was a superb solo goal that reignited the Elephants' hopes and capped an outstanding cameo from the substitute.
The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in Ivory Coast's favour, but rather than pushing for a winner, the African side gradually dropped deeper, inviting Norway to attack in the closing stages.
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That decision proved costly.
With four minutes remaining, Norway worked the ball patiently down the left before Patrick Berg delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Haaland timed his run perfectly, arriving unmarked to guide a first-time finish beyond Fofana from close range and restore Norway's lead. The goal was Haaland's fifth of the tournament and once again underlined his reputation for delivering in the biggest moments.
Ivory Coast threw everything forward during stoppage time.
Diallo nearly rescued his side once again with a brilliantly struck free-kick that seemed destined for the top corner, only for Ørjan Nyland to produce a spectacular diving save. Moments later, the final whistle confirmed Norway's place in the Round of 16 and brought the Elephants' inspiring World Cup journey to a heartbreaking conclusion.
The victory continues an outstanding tournament for Norway. Haaland's decisive strike means he has now scored five goals at the World Cup, while Antonio Nusa once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Europe's brightest young talents. Martin Ødegaard controlled large periods of the midfield, and Patrick Berg's assist for the winning goal capped another influential performance.
Ivory Coast, however, leave the tournament with their heads held high.
After progressing from a difficult group, the Elephants matched one of Europe's strongest sides for much of the contest and were only undone by the clinical finishing of one of football's greatest goalscorers. Amad Diallo's electrifying display after coming off the bench was a major positive, while the team's organisation, resilience and attacking quality throughout the tournament suggest a bright future under Emerse Faé.
Norway's reward is a mouthwatering Round of 16 clash against Brazil, setting up a showdown between two of the tournament's most prolific attacking teams. With Haaland in sensational form and confidence growing with each passing match, the Norwegians will believe they have the firepower to challenge anyone.
The defeat will sting Ivory Coast for some time. Diallo's stunning equaliser looked as though it had earned another opportunity in extra time, but Haaland had the final say. It was a match decided by moments of brilliance, and once again, the Norwegian striker delivered when his country needed him most.