The Norwegian national football team has advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast at Dallas Stadium in the United States.
Norway broke the deadlock in the 39th minute through a moment of brilliance from Antonio Nusa. Caping off a strong spell of possession, the Norwegians worked the ball to Nusa on the edge of the penalty area, where he curled a precise effort into the top corner, leaving the Ivorian goalkeeper with no chance.
Despite falling behind, Ivory Coast, who had looked dangerous down the flanks in the opening stages, carried their attacking momentum into the second half. The Elephants' persistence was rewarded in the 74th minute when substitute Amad Diallo leveled the score. After a quick one-two with Nicolas Pepe, Diallo drove into the penalty box, skipped past two defenders, and fired past Norwegian goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
The equalizer reignited Norway’s attacking intent, culminating in the decisive goal in the 86th minute. Oscar Bobb threaded a fine pass down the right wing to captain Martin Odegaard, who squared the ball across the face of the goal for Erling Haaland to bundle home from close range.
The match-winning strike marks the 13th consecutive competitive international match in which Haaland has found the back of the net.
While Ivory Coast exits the tournament, Norway progresses to the Round of 16 phase, where they will face Brazil.
