ligue1-logo
Other Competitions

World Cup: Haaland sends Norway into last 16 as Ivory Coast bow out

Erling Haaland's late winner ended Ivory Coast's World Cup dream as Norway claimed a 2-1 victory to set up a mouthwatering last-16 clash with Brazil.
G.BOXALL
Published on 06/30/2026 at 19:00
2-minute read
Erling Haaland's late winner ended Ivory Coast's World Cup dream as Norway claimed a 2-1 victory to set up a mouthwatering last-16 clash with Brazil.

Norway booked their place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 after overcoming Ivory Coast 2-1 in Arlington, with Manchester City's Erling Haaland striking four minutes from time to settle a closely fought encounter.

The Elephants, featuring several current and former Ligue 1 McDonald's players, enjoyed long spells of possession and looked the more dangerous side for much of the contest, but ultimately paid the price for not converting their dominance into goals.

It was Norway who struck first against the run of play in the 39th minute. Antonio Nusa collected the ball on the left flank before cutting inside and curling an unstoppable effort into the far top corner, giving Yahia Fofana no chance.

Emerse Faé's side responded well after the interval. Former Lille winger Nicolas Pépé twice forced excellent saves from Ørjan Nyland, while Rennes full-back Guéla Doué continued to provide a threat down the right.

Their pressure was finally rewarded in the 74th minute through Amad Diallo. The Manchester United attacker exchanged passes with Pépé before weaving through the Norwegian defence and calmly finishing beyond Nyland to deservedly bring Ivory Coast level.

However, Norway's quality told late on. Oscar Bobb released Patrick Berg into the area, and his cut-back found Haaland, who bundled home from close range for his fifth goal of the tournament and his 60th in just 53 international appearances.

The Ivorians pushed desperately for an equaliser in stoppage time, with Diallo forcing another superb save from Nyland with a curling free-kick, but Norway held firm to secure only their second-ever qualification for the knockout stages of a World Cup.

Despite elimination, several Ligue 1-linked players impressed throughout the tournament for Ivory Coast, including Doué, Pépé and former Le Havre striker Mohamed Bayo's replacement Bonny, while the Norwegians now advance to face five-time world champions Brazil in New York.

READ MORE: 

>> World Cup: Deschamps urges France to show 'humility' as Les Bleus begin knockouts

ligue1-logo