7M - Haaland Strikes Late as Norway Edge Ivory Coast 2-1 to Reach World Cup Last 16

Erling Haaland proved to be the ultimate hero once again as Norway made football history, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 at the Dallas Stadium.

The high-stakes knockout tie saw the Scandinavian side strike first in the 39th minute when highly-rated forward Antonio Nusa calmly found the back of the net to put Norway ahead before the break. However, a resilient Ivory Coast responded with heavy tactical pressure in the second half. The African powerhouse found their equalizer in the 74th minute via a spectacular wondergoal from substitute Amad Diallo, set up by Nicolas Pépé.

With extra time looming, Norway’s talismanic frontman stepped up in the 86th minute. Capitalizing on a pinpoint pass from Patrick Berg, Haaland clinical dispatched his fifth goal of the tournament to restore Norway's lead. A massive, game-saving stop by Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland deep in stoppage time ensured that the underdogs held on to their slim advantage, sending their fans into raptures as Norway advance to the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time.