Erling Haaland found the back of the net for Norway in their 2-1 World Cup victory over Ivory Coast, securing their first knockout stage win in the tournament's history. The goal, described as a scuff off his instep that the Ivorian goalkeeper nearly saved, proved to be the decisive strike. This win matches Norway's best World Cup performance, achieved 28 years ago in their last finals appearance in 1998. The team is set to face Brazil in their next match.
For Haaland, the goal carries significant weight, marking his first in a major tournament for Norway. While he has accumulated an impressive 60 goals in 53 senior international appearances, averaging a goal every 72 minutes, these previous strikes had not come on the grand stage of a World Cup or European Championship, as Norway had not qualified for any major tournaments during his career. With five goals in three appearances at the 2026 World Cup thus far, Haaland is performing on a stage where only Lionel Messi has scored more in North America.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney commented on Haaland's impact, stating, "Norway are a very good team, and purely because of that man. Because of his goals, he has proven that he belongs at this World Cup level. He is just devastating. He wasn't in the game much, but he came up with the winning goal." Ex-England international Steph Houghton added, "I think Norway had the final bit of quality. The big man was always going to score the winner."
Norway's progression sees them become the first European side to reach the last 16, an achievement where Germany and the Netherlands previously faltered. The team and fans celebrated their victory with their customary Viking Row celebration, led by Martin Odegaard.