New Delhi, July 1 -- Norway reached the last 16 of the World Cup 2026 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the final minutes, rewarding coach Stale Solbakken for a bold team selection decision that had come under heavy fire.

Stale Solbakken rested most of his star players for Norway's final group match against France. The choice drew sharp criticism from fans who had hoped to see Erling Haaland face Kylian Mbappe. The coach had warned that the move would be judged solely by the result in this knockout game. With progression now confirmed, the decision looks justified.

This was a historic night for both teams. Neither Norway nor Ivory Coast had ever won a World Cup knockout match bef...