Erling Haaland scored the winner as Norway defeated Ivory Coast 2-1, giving the national team its first World Cup knockout victory. The result also put Haaland’s remarkable Norway record into a new context: his goals are now shaping major-tournament outcomes.
The striker has reached 60 goals in 53 senior internationals, with five goals in three appearances at the 2026 World Cup. According to the source, his recent competitive run is even more striking: 25 goals across his past 13 competitive Norway matches.
Norway’s next test is Brazil, a match that will measure whether this side can turn a historic moment into a deeper run. Haaland was not described as dominant throughout the Ivory Coast game, but the key detail is familiar: when Norway needed a decisive finish, he supplied it.
The longer-term scoring projections around Haaland are intriguing but should be treated carefully. Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo’s international total depend on assumptions about fitness, selection, Norway’s fixture volume and future tournament qualification, making them a discussion point rather than a forecast.
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