FIFA World Cup 2026: Norway enters round of 16 with Haaland’s late winner against Ivory Coast

Every rowing team knows that progress is only possible if everyone pulls in the same direction. The Norwegian fans turned that truth into theater at this World Cup, rowing in rows upon rows in their celebrations. They arrived in Arlington hoping their songs could provide a final push towards the last 16 of the World Cup.

By the final whistle the players had joined the act. Norway had played in the same spirit as they had suffered as one, defending without panic and refusing to allow Ivory Coast’s physicality to affect the score.

The players sat down in front of their supporters and rowed together, the celebration perfectly reflecting the collective effort that had brought them safely to shore with a 2-1 victory.

Norway were guilty of starting with too many square passes and not involving Erling Haaland, allowing Ivory Coast to grow into the match. The Elephants played with resilience as the Norwegian defense tried to extinguish one attack after another as an error-ridden midfield offered little protection.

AS IT HAPPENED | Ivory Coast vs Norway, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 HIGHLIGHTS

When play resumed after the hydration break, Yan Diomandé’s cross from the left picked out Nicolas Pepe who arrived unmarked at the far post, and although his effort was unlikely to find the net, Marcus Pedersen was relieved when he was able to cut the ball out.

In the 36th minute, Haaland finally got sight of goal after Alexander Sorloth floated in a cross from the right, but the Manchester City forward’s bouncing header lacked the usual conviction and Yahia Fofana rallied comfortably.

However, against the run of play, Norway scored in the 39th minute. Antonio Nusa collected the ball at the edge of the area and hit it like a hammer hitting the nail, sending the ball into the top right corner.

Norway came close to extending their lead just after the hour when Torbjørn Heggem met Martin Ødegaard’s corner six yards out, but the newly introduced Amad Diallo was on the line to clear him.

READ ALSO: Player ratings Ivory Coast vs Norway for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash

Diallo soon had an even more decisive impact. He played a one-two with Pepe outside the penalty area, took the return pass inside, before sliding past David Møller Wolfe and Sander Berge to score the equalizer into the bottom left corner with at least fifteen minutes to play.

However, a simple tap from Haaland in the 86th minute ultimately broke Ivorian hearts. The striker, largely uninvolved until then, arrived in the middle and turned in Patrick Berg’s cross as a flat-footed defense looked on in horror.

Diallo almost brought his team back again when his stinging free-kick was acrobatically tipped by an alert Orjan Nyland in the final minutes.

When it mattered most, Norway had found one final strike, enough to sail past Ivory Coast to a mouthwatering meeting with Brazil in New York.

Published on July 1, 2026