The win keeps Norway’s World Cup dream alive and sets up a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against five-time champions Brazil….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Erling Haaland scored a dramatic late winner as Norway defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history.
Haaland struck in the 86th minute at Dallas Stadium to cap a hard-fought victory after Côte d’Ivoire had battled back to level the contest in the second half.
The win keeps Norway’s World Cup dream alive and sets up a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against five-time champions Brazil.
Norway took the lead through Antonio Nusa, who curled home a superb strike to give the Scandinavians the advantage before the break.
Côte d’Ivoire responded strongly after halftime and found a deserved equaliser in the 74th minute through Amad Diallo, who produced a moment of brilliance. The winger combined neatly with Pepe in a quick one-two before weaving past two defenders and firing an unstoppable shot beyond goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
The Ivorians continued to press for a winner, creating several promising opportunities, but Nyland stood firm with a series of important saves.
Just when the match appeared destined for extra time, Norway launched a decisive counterattack. Patrick Berg burst forward before delivering a perfectly weighted square pass into the path of Haaland, who calmly slotted home his fifth goal of the tournament to restore Norway’s lead.
Côte d’Ivoire nearly forced another equaliser in the closing moments when Diallo unleashed a powerful free-kick from 25 yards, but Nyland produced a spectacular fingertip save to preserve Norway’s advantage.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the Norwegian players and supporters as the Scandinavian side secured a historic place in the knockout stages for the first time.
Norway will now face Brazil in the Round of 16 as they continue their fairytale run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
