Kha Y Tran Norway reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after beating Ivory Coast 2-1 in an exciting knockout match. Antonio Nusa scored the opening goal before halftime. Later, Amad Diallo equalized for Ivory Coast. However, Erling Haaland found the winner late in the game.
As a result, Norway will now face Brazil in the Round of 16.
Watch highlights of the match at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATzmoebQMj0&list=PLBRLtDhTHh5o&index=23
Ivory Coast start the match strongly
Ivory Coast made the better start. They attacked with speed and confidence from the opening whistle. Their forwards caused several problems for Norway’s defense.
Meanwhile, Norway struggled to build attacks. Erling Haaland was closely marked. Therefore, he had very few chances in the first half.
Ivory Coast controlled much of the play. Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré won important battles in midfield. In addition, Diomande, Bonny, and Pepe linked up well in attack.
However, the African side could not finish their chances. Norway stayed calm at the back. Goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland also made several key saves. Because of that, the score remained level.
Photo: FIFA
Antonio Nusa gives Norway the lead
Football often punishes missed chances. That happened again in this match.
In the 39th minute, Antonio Nusa produced a moment of quality. He cut inside from the left before curling the ball into the far corner. The goalkeeper had no chance to stop it.
The goal changed the match. Norway suddenly had the advantage. On the other hand, Ivory Coast were left frustrated after missing several good opportunities.
Norway went into halftime leading 1-0.
The joy of Nusa’s opening goal – Photo: FIFA
Ivory Coast fight back after the break
Ivory Coast looked more dangerous in the second half. Their coach made several changes to increase the team’s attacking threat.
The substitutions worked well. Norway spent more time defending as Ivory Coast pushed forward.
Finally, the equalizer arrived in the 74th minute.
Substitute Amad Diallo collected the ball on the wing. He beat several defenders before finishing calmly into the net. His excellent run made the score 1-1.
At that point, the game looked ready for extra time.
Amad Diallo equalized 1-1 for Ivory Coast.
Haaland decides the match
Great strikers do not need many chances. Haaland proved that once again.
In the 86th minute, Norway launched one final attack. The ball was played across the penalty area. Haaland reacted first and tapped it into the net from close range.
It was a simple finish. However, it was the most important moment of the match.
Although Haaland had been quiet for most of the game, he delivered when his team needed him most. His goal gave Norway a 2-1 victory and a place in the next round.
Haaland scores a major goal, Norway leads 2-1.
Norway defend with discipline
Haaland scored the winner. Still, Norway’s defense also deserved praise.
Ivory Coast created many attacks during the match. Even so, Norway stayed organized. The defenders blocked shots and cleared dangerous crosses.
Patrick Berg and Sander Berge worked hard in midfield. They protected the back line and helped stop many attacks.
Nyland also played an important role. He made several good saves and remained calm under pressure.
Because of this strong team effort, Norway held on to their lead.
Ivory Coast leave with pride
The result ended Ivory Coast’s World Cup campaign. Even so, they produced a strong performance.
The African side played with energy and confidence. They created several good chances and controlled long periods of the match.
Amad Diallo made a big impact after coming on. His goal gave Ivory Coast hope. However, the team could not find another breakthrough.
In the end, missed chances in the first half proved costly.
Despite the defeat, many young players gained valuable experience. Therefore, Ivory Coast can still look ahead with optimism.
Norway prepare for Brazil
Norway will now meet Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16.
Brazil are one of the tournament favorites. They have quality across every position. Therefore, Norway face a huge challenge.
Still, Norway will take confidence from this win. Their defense looked solid, and Haaland once again showed why he is one of the world’s best strikers.
If Norway defend well and take their chances, they could make life difficult for Brazil.
Match recap
Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring before halftime. Later, Amad Diallo equalized for Ivory Coast. However, Erling Haaland scored the winning goal in the 86th minute.
The victory sends Norway into a blockbuster meeting with Brazil. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast leave the tournament after a brave and competitive performance.
Read more:
Haaland Double Secures Norway’s World Cup Progress
Ivory Coast’s Historic World Cup Breakthrough
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