Norway secured a dramatic victory over Ivory Coast to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter finals. Erling Haaland scored a late winner, ending Ivory Coast’s hopes of advancing. As a result, Norway booked a last-eight clash with Brazil.
Antonio Nusa gave Norway the lead during the first half with a superb curling strike. However, Ivory Coast responded after the breakthrough of Manchester United winger Amad Diallo. He produced a brilliant solo effort before calmly finishing to level the score.
Haaland Delivers When Norway Needed Him Most
Haaland remained quiet for much of the match. Nevertheless, the prolific striker made the decisive impact in the closing stages. He finished from close range after a well-worked move, scoring his fifth goal of the tournament.
The 25-year-old has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive matches for Norway. During that remarkable run, he has netted 22 goals. Moreover, his latest strike underlined his reputation for delivering in crucial moments.
Norway Ends Long World Cup Knockout Goal Drought
Haaland’s winner also ended a historic scoring drought for Norway. The team scored in a World Cup knockout match for the first time since 1938.
Arne Brustad scored Norway’s previous knockout-stage World Cup goal in 1938. Interestingly, Brustad was born on the same day the Titanic struck an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean.
Norway will now face Brazil in New York on July 5. The winner will secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
