Manchester City goal machine, Erling Braut Haaland, netted the winner as Norway discomfited Ivory Coast 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match on Tuesday 30 June, 2026 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, United States (US).
The outcome means the The Vikings have progressed to the Round of 16 and will slug it out with Brazil, who clinched a narrow 2-1 win over Japan, on Monday in Houston, US.
Haaland had made no impact in the clash before the 86th minute, with Antonio Nusa and Amad Diallo beautifully scoring for their respective sides in Dallas.
Nusa perfectly utilized Arsenal midfielder, Martin Ødegaard’s pass to place Norway in front in the 39th minute. The RB Leipzig attacking midfielder finely curled the ball into the net to spark huge celebrations among The Vikings fans just six (6) minutes before the break.
But, in the 74th minute, the Elephants levelled through Manchester United attacking midfielder, Amad Diallo, after converting Nicolas Pepe’s assist.
Haaland, who fielded fof Borussia Dortmund before his move to Etihad Stadium, was well-positioned and simply tapped home the winner for the Norwegians late, in the 86th minute, after Patrick Berg had provided.
The West African side thought they had forced the showdown into extra time after Amad’s leveller in the 74th minute, but, Haaland’s goal proved decisive as the European side forged ahead in the World Cup 2026.
Elephants head coach, Emerge Fare, had to bring on Amad after falling behind from Nusa’s opener, and the winger delivered with the leveller, however, he was unable to help Ivory Coast scale through.
Photo: Erling Braut Haaland celebrates with teammates after scoring the winner for Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 game against Ivory Coast in Dallas, US on Tuesday
