Haaland sends Norway into World Cup last 16 with late winner against Ivory Coast
By Francis Muli, June 30, 2026Erling Haaland struck four minutes from time to fire Norway into the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, setting up a mouthwatering clash against Brazil.
The Manchester City striker scored in the 86th minute after meeting Patrick Berg’s low pass from close range, breaking Ivorian hearts in a tightly contested Round of 32 encounter at AT&T Stadium on Tuesday.
Haaland’s fifth goal of the tournament strengthened his bid for the Golden Boot, leaving him just one goal behind tournament leader Lionel Messi. The 25-year-old has now scored in each of Norway’s last 13 competitive matches, a remarkable run that has yielded 25 goals since October 2024.
Norway, who welcomed back several first-team regulars after resting them in their final group match against France, took the lead in the 39th minute through Antonio Nusa. The RB Leipzig winger curled a superb effort beyond goalkeeper Yahia Fofana after cutting inside from the left.
Ivory Coast, making their first appearance in the expanded World Cup knockout stage, fought back after the break and found a deserved equaliser in the 74th minute. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo weaved past several defenders before firing home an outstanding solo goal to revive the Elephants’ hopes.
With extra time looming, Norway’s talisman delivered once again.
Patrick Berg found space inside the penalty area before squaring the ball to Haaland, who made no mistake from close range to seal Norway’s passage into the next round.
The victory sends Ståle Solbakken’s side into a heavyweight last-16 showdown with five-time world champions Brazil at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey after the Selecao edged Japan 2-1 to book their place.
History could offer Norway encouragement. The Scandinavians are unbeaten in four previous meetings with Brazil and famously defeated the South Americans 2-1 in the group stage of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
Norway are making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years and continue to impress in the tournament, with Haaland emerging as one of its standout performers as they chase a place in the quarter-finals.