Norway's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign continues after a gripping 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the Round of 32. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring in the 39th minute, Amad Diallo drew Ivory Coast level in the 74th minute, and then Erling Haaland delivered the match-winning moment in the 86th minute to end the contest. The goal was Haaland's fifth of the tournament, confirming Norway's place in the Round of 16 while sending Ivory Coast out of the competition.
Ivory Coast Arrived Full of Intent
Ivory Coast had put together an impressive group stage showing to earn their place in the knockout rounds, and they carried that momentum into this match. From the first whistle, they pressed forward with purpose, refusing to sit back against a formidable Norway side.
First Half: Chances at Both Ends Before Nusa Breaks the Deadlock
The opening exchanges were intense. Erling Haaland had a dangerous attempt as early as the 3rd minute but was unable to convert. Ivory Coast went the other way, with Yann Djoumandi driving at Norway's goal in the 8th minute and coming agonisingly close to opening the scoring. The match was played at a high tempo, with both defences kept busy.
In the 38th minute, Haaland threatened again, and a minute later, Martin Ødegaard arrived in a promising position that had Ivory Coast scrambling. Then, also in the 39th minute, Antonio Nusa found the net to put Norway 1-0 ahead. Ivory Coast launched an immediate counter-attack to try to restore parity, but Norway absorbed the pressure and held their lead through to half-time.
Second Half: Ivory Coast Keep Pressing but the Goalkeeper Holds Firm
Ivory Coast came out with renewed urgency after the interval. Ibrahim Sangare tested Norway's goalkeeper in the 52nd minute, and Pepe followed up with another attempt three minutes later in the 55th minute, but both were dealt with superbly at the other end. Guela Doué had a go in the 64th minute, only to be denied again. Ghislain Konan came equally close in the 72nd minute but could not find a finish.
The relentless pressure finally told in the 74th minute. Amad Diallo scored a well-taken goal to level proceedings at 1-1, breathing fresh life into Ivory Coast and making it look as though the match was heading towards extra time.
Haaland's Fifth World Cup Goal Closes the Door on Ivory Coast
That momentum proved short-lived for Ivory Coast. In the 86th minute, Erling Haaland produced a clinical finish to restore Norway's lead and make it 2-1. It was his fifth goal of this World Cup, a moment that all but ended the contest and deflated the Ivory Coast camp.
Ivory Coast had one final opportunity in the 5th minute of injury time, when Martin Ødegaard conceded a foul and handed them a set-piece chance. Diallo stepped up to try to rescue his side once more, but Norway's goalkeeper produced another outstanding save to deny him. The final whistle confirmed the 2-1 scoreline, with Norway advancing to the Round of 16 and Ivory Coast's tournament coming to an end.
