Erling Haaland scored a dramatic late winner as Norway secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Dallas, booking their place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester City striker made history by becoming the first player in 72 years to score in his first three World Cup starts.
First-Half Dominance
Norway took the lead six minutes before halftime through Antonio Nusa, who scored his ninth international goal. Martin Odegaard found Nusa inside the box, and the winger cut inside before curling a brilliant effort into the top corner.
Ivory Coast had early chances to take the lead. Yan Diomande's cross found Nicolas Pepe inside the area, but the former Arsenal forward opted to cushion a volley back across goal when a direct strike seemed easier. Haaland also threatened to double Norway's lead, but his goal-bound effort was brilliantly blocked by Ibrahim Sangare.
Second-Half Drama
Ivory Coast pushed for an equalizer, with Pepe continuing to pose a threat. His low drilled strike was saved by Orjan Nyland. The equalizer came through Manchester United's Amad Diallo, who made a pair of game-changing contributions. After clearing Torbjorn Heggem's effort off the line at one end, he weaved through Norway's scrambling defenders and dispatched a shot into the bottom corner.
With the game level, Norway snatched the winner four minutes from time. Oscar Bobb's ball found Odegaard, who squared for Haaland to tap home for his 60th international goal. The victory sends Norway into the last 16, continuing their impressive World Cup campaign.
