Norway Advance To World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 With Dramatic 2-1 Victory Over Ivory Coast

Norway Advance To World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 With Dramatic 2-1 Victory Over Ivory Coast

Sampson Adedeji 

Norway secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Ivory Coast on Tuesday, producing a late winner to edge out the African side in a tense Group stage encounter, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Scandinavians started the match on the front foot and took a deserved lead midway through the first half when rising star Antonio Nusa found the net, giving Norway a 1-0 advantage at the break.

Ivory Coast responded strongly in the second half. 

Substitute Amad Diallo, who came off the bench to inject energy into the Elephants’ attack, leveled the score with a well-taken goal, sending the Ivorian supporters into raptures and setting up a nervy finale.

However, Norway’s star striker Erling Haaland delivered the decisive blow in the 85th minute, slotting home the winning goal to spark wild celebrations among the Norwegian camp. 

The Manchester City forward’s clinical finish proved enough to see his side through to the round of 16.

With the victory, Norway progress as one of the top teams from their group, while Ivory Coast’s campaign comes to an end at the group stage.