Erling Haaland struck late to fire Norway into the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast and setting up a showdown with Brazil.
The Manchester City striker, who was rested during Norway’s 4-1 group-stage loss to France in Boston on Friday, continued his remarkable scoring run by netting the decisive goal in the 86th minute.
Haaland’s fifth goal of the tournament moved him within one strike of tournament-leading scorer Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
The goal also extended an extraordinary streak that has seen the 25-year-old score in every competitive match for Norway since October 2024, producing 25 goals in 13 appearances.
Norway broke the deadlock six minutes before halftime when RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa unleashed a superb curling effort beyond Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
The Elephants fought back in the second half and found an equaliser in the 74th minute through Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, who produced a brilliant individual run before finishing emphatically.
With extra time looming, Haaland once again delivered for his country. The prolific forward met a pass from Patrick Berg inside the box and calmly finished from close range to send the Norwegian fans into celebration.
The victory sends Norway through to face Brazil at MetLife Stadium in the knockout stage. History may offer encouragement for the Scandinavians, who remain unbeaten in four previous meetings with the South Americans.
Norway also won their only previous World Cup encounter against Brazil, recording a memorable 2-1 victory at the 1998 tournament in France.
