Haaland Fires Norway Into World Cup Round Of 16 As Ivory Coast's Run Ends

Haaland Fires Norway Into World Cup Round Of 16 As Ivory Coast’s Historic Run Ends
Amad Diallo impressed but Ivory Coast’s historic campaign came to an end.
Norway will face Brazil in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Norway secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Ivory Coast 2-1 in a closely contested Round of 16 clash, with Erling Braut Haaland scoring a late winner to end the African side’s historic campaign.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the victory marked Norway’s first knockout stage win at the FIFA World Cup, while Ivory Coast’s maiden appearance beyond the group stage came to an end despite an impressive performance.

Norway started the game on the front foot, with Haaland posing an early threat. However, Ivory Coast quickly found their rhythm and created several chances of their own. Nicolas Pépé came close after connecting with a cross from Yan Diomandé, while Ghislain Konan struck the side netting.

The breakthrough came just before half-time when Antonio Nusa cut inside from the left before curling a superb effort beyond goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to give Norway the lead.

Ivory Coast responded positively after the interval and forced Ørjan Nyland into an important save as Pépé tested the Norwegian goalkeeper from close range.

Norway continued to threaten, but Amad Diallo produced a remarkable goal line clearance to deny Torbjørn Heggem before making an even greater impact in attack.

The Manchester United winger produced a brilliant solo effort, weaving through the Norwegian defence before finishing clinically to draw Ivory Coast level and reignite their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

However, Norway regained the lead through Haaland, who arrived inside the penalty area to convert a square pass from Patrick Berg and score what proved to be the match winner.

Nyland preserved Norway’s advantage in the closing stages by tipping Amad’s dangerous free kick over the crossbar, ensuring his side advanced to the last eight.

Norway Into World Cup Round Of 16 As Ivory Coast's Run Ends — Norway Into World Cup Round Of 16 As Ivory Coast’s Run Ends

Norway will now face Brazil national football team for a place in the semi-finals, while Ivory Coast exit the tournament after producing their best ever FIFA World Cup campaign.