Erling Haaland Leads Norway Past Ivory Coast, Norway Will Face Brazil in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16

Erling Haaland once again demonstrated his status as the leading star of the Norway national team. The Manchester City striker scored the match-winning goal as Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 fixture at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, on Wednesday WIB.

This victory confirmed Norway's progression to the Round of 16, while keeping alive their hopes of advancing further in the world's biggest football tournament. Next, Stale Solbakken's squad will face Brazil at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, in the early hours of Monday WIB.

Ivory Coast played with bold intent and created the first clear chance through Nicolas Pepe, though his final attempt was shut down by Norway's defensive line.

Norway gradually took control of the match rhythm, mounting more organised attacking moves by leveraging the pace of their forward line.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 39th minute. Antonio Nusa showcased his individual quality with a well-placed shot, putting Norway 1-0 ahead ahead of the half-time break.

Erling Haaland received an opportunity to extend the lead, but his strike failed to find the target. The 1-0 scoreline remained at the interval.

Entering the second half, Ivory Coast increased their attacking intensity. Another chance for Nicolas Pepe was denied by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Ivory Coast's unrelenting pressure finally produced an equalising goal in the 74th minute. Amad Diallo pulled off an impressive solo run before beating Nyland, bringing the score to 1-1.

The match became increasingly open, with both teams trading attacking pushes. Just as the fixture appeared headed for extra time, Norway found their momentum. Patrick Berg delivered a ball into the penalty area which Erling Haaland converted with a clinical finish in the 86th minute.

Haaland's goal sealed Norway's 2-1 victory and eliminated Ivory Coast from the tournament.