Haaland's late winner knocks Ivory Coast out of the World Cup

Erling Haaland struck a late winner to send Norway past Ivory Coast and into the last 16 of the World Cup, ending the African side's tournament in dramatic fashion.

Norway won the round-of-32 tie 2-1, with Haaland converting from close range four minutes from time to settle a see-saw contest. The result set up a mouth-watering last-16 meeting with Brazil.

Norway had taken the lead through a stunning strike from RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa in the first half. Ivory Coast, playing in their first World Cup knockout match, drew level through Manchester United's Amad Diallo in the 75th minute, only for Haaland to break their hearts near the end.

The goal took the Manchester City striker's tally to five in three games, leaving him one behind Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot. It also secured Norway's first World Cup knockout victory in their history.

For Ivory Coast, the defeat was a painful end to a campaign in which they had reached the knockout stage for the first time. Their exit continued a mixed tournament for African teams, several of whom have made history at the expanded 2026 World Cup even as others fell short.