Norway Advance to Last 16 in 2026 World Cup

Norway secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in a 2026 World Cup qualifying clash, with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland netting a late winner to propel his side into the tournament’s last 16. The decisive goal came in the 89th minute, capping a tense encounter at a packed stadium. Haaland, who had earlier assisted Norway’s opening goal, capitalized on a defensive error to fire the decisive strike, showcasing his growing influence as a key figure for both club and country.

The win marked a pivotal moment in Norway’s qualifying campaign, which has seen the team navigate a competitive group stage with a mix of resilience and flair. Ivory Coast, who took an early lead through a first-half penalty, struggled to maintain momentum after the break as Norway’s pressing strategy disrupted their rhythm. The result underscores Norway’s potential as a dark-horse contender in the tournament, while Ivory Coast now face an uphill battle to advance. With Haaland’s clinical finish, Norway advances to the knockout rounds, setting up a high-stakes next phase of matches that could define their World Cup journey.