Ivory Coast 1-2 Norway: Erling Haaland scored a late winner but Norway were looking for an upset against Brazil next at the World Cup.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 30: Norway’s Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between Ivory Coast and Norway at Dallas Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
It had to be him. Erling Haaland is more than qualified to wear the famous Brazil shirt, but the Norwegian star is set to face the likes of Vinicius Junior to continue his World Cup dreams.
Norway has been in the news for their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, but they have no shortage of talent and kept their hopes alive by defeating Ivory Coast in the Round of 32.
The prize money was big for both sides, but it was the Europeans who produced the key moments in a tense game, and Norway will have more than enough to keep Carlo Ancelotti busy.
Brazil are not as strong as they used to be and are a purely magical team, but they are also in a lull in the game and the Scandinavian team will be hoping to take advantage of that.
Antonio Nusa’s individual moment of brilliance ignited the match as the RB Leipzig man cut in from the right and curled a shot into the far corner.
Nicolas Pepe gave the former Arsenal player a chance inside nine yards in the second half, but his shot was saved by Orjan Nyland. Manchester United’s Amad was much more powerful when he had the chance, flicking the ball to his teammates before receiving it and cutting inside to equalize.
In previous World Cups, the finals have been decided slowly, and it was Haaland who had the final say with five minutes remaining. Manchester City waited and the ball was squared by Patrick Berg and fired into an empty net, but the contact was not smooth as the striker held his breath for a moment.
Amad almost came up with a second equalizer with a free-kick in stoppage time, but was denied by a superb save.
Norway made 10 changes to face France last week, effectively canceling the game against Les Bleus, who played second team, in a game they would not have been able to win despite their best efforts.
Antonio Nusa scores Norway’s first goal with a great individual attack
They became the first team in World Cup history to make 10 changes in consecutive games, teetering on the edge of being a fresh team and a lackluster team. After all, it was a gamble.
Brazil secured their spot in the World Cup with their latest match against Japan on Monday. Smart money suggests England and the South Americans will advance to the last eight, but the two countries will need to negotiate a match before that can happen.
Norway expect to face England in Miami later in the tournament and Haaland has the player who can win the game on his own. That said, the Norwegians proved with their win in Dallas that they are not a one-man band.
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