Norway advances to last 16 after dramatic win against Côte d’Ivoire

By Sanjay Menon — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Norway secures knockout stage berth

Norway has progressed to the World Cup last 16 following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire. The decisive goal came late in the match from Erling Haaland, securing their place in the next round. The match, held at Dallas Stadium, saw both teams vying for a spot in the knockout stages, a rare achievement for both nations in the tournament’s history.

The win vindicated the strategy of Norway coach Ståle Solbakken, who had faced criticism for resting nearly his entire squad in their final group stage match against France. Solbakken had stated that the success of his decision would depend on the outcome of this particular game, and the team’s progression to the last 16 has seemingly justified his approach.

Historically, neither Norway nor Côte d’Ivoire had previously won a knockout game at a World Cup. Côte d’Ivoire, despite winning a game in every World Cup appearance, had never advanced past the group stage, often due to challenging draws. Norway had only participated in two previous knockout matches, in 1938 and 1998, losing to Italy on both occasions. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Norwegian side.

Match highlights and key moments

Norway opened the scoring in the first half with a goal from Antonio Nusa. His strike, which curled into the far corner, came in the 39th minute. This goal provided Norway with a 1-0 lead, which they maintained into halftime, having gained control of the game after an initial period where Côte d’Ivoire dominated possession.

The second half saw increased intensity from both sides. Côte d’Ivoire, despite their possession, struggled to convert opportunities into goals, a recurring issue since their Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2023 (played in 2024). Their threat often came from the flanks, with players like Nicolas Pépé, now with Villarreal, displaying directness in his play. Pépé had a significant chance in the first half but volleyed across the goal.

A crucial moment in the second half involved Amad Diallo of Côte d’Ivoire. He made a remarkable clearance to block a volley from Torbjørn Heggem that appeared destined for the net. Shortly after, Diallo scored a stunning equalizer, dribbling through the Norwegian defense after a quick one-two with Pépé and firing a left-footed shot past Ørjan Nyland. This goal brought Côte d’Ivoire level and reignited the match.

However, with four minutes remaining, Erling Haaland scored the winning goal for Norway. The move originated from the right side, with Patrick Berg delivering a through ball to Haaland in the penalty box. Haaland‘s soft touch, which appeared to be an attempt to control the ball, saw it scoot over the line, giving Norway a 2-1 lead in the 86th minute. This goal was Haaland‘s fifth in the tournament.

In the final minutes, Côte d’Ivoire pressed for an equalizer, including a free-kick from Diallo that was saved by Nyland. The Norwegian team, known for its free-scoring style, demonstrated a different approach in this match, focusing on defending and enduring pressure, which ultimately proved effective. The team’s togetherness was evident in their post-match celebrations, led by captain Martin Ødegaard.

Looking ahead to the next stage

Norway will now face Brazil in the last 16. This upcoming match is scheduled to take place at New York New Jersey Stadium. The encounter with Brazil is anticipated to be a significant test for Norway, particularly in assessing their ability to handle more penetrative opposition, given their defensive performance against Côte d’Ivoire.

The match against Côte d’Ivoire showcased Norway‘s resilience and their capacity to adapt their playing style when necessary. The team’s progression to the knockout stage marks a notable achievement in their World Cup history, setting the stage for their next challenge against a five-time World Cup champion.

Norway‘s next match against Brazil is scheduled for July 5.

Source: theguardian.com