Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has fired an early warning to Brazil after taking his team to a historic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.
Norway's dramatic victory in Texas marked the country's first-ever victory at a FIFA World Cup knockout match, ending decades of disappointment following previous knockout exits in 1938 and 1998. And it also set up the event's biggest round-of-16 clash with five-time world champions Brazil, who defeated Japan 2-1 to reach the next stage.
The Norwegian dressing room erupted with emotion and joy when they saw the achievement in their hands. Solbakken delivered a passionate speech to his players in Norwegian before he moved on to speak in English to speak directly to Brazil's legendary head coach.
"Carlo Ancelotti, we're coming for you!"
The confident declaration instantly had the Norwegian team laughing, cheering and thunderous applause from the jubilant Norwegian team who had just made history in the country’s football history.
Erling Haaland also celebrated the landmark victory on social media by posting a picture from the match on Instagram with the caption:
"A day we’ll never forget."
The celebrations came after a hard-fought game in which Ivory Coast dominated early exchanges. Winger Nicolas Pépé tested Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland with a good effort but the experienced shot-stopper had to make a big save to keep the score level.
Norway gradually settled into the contest and struck first in the 39th minute through one of the brightest young talents in European football.
Martin Ødegaard initiated a flowing attacking move but in the end found 21-year-old Antonio Nusa who curled a stunning finish into the top corner. The spectacular strike gave Norway the lead but also made Nusa the youngest Norwegian player to score at a major international tournament.
Ivory Coast refused to surrender and came to life after the break with a spirited response. In the 74th minute, substitute Amad Diallo produced a brilliant solo run before combining nicely with Pépé to hit home the equaliser and restore hope for the African side.
When the match appeared to be heading into extra time, Norway’s biggest star produced the decisive moment.
Oscar Bobb and Patrick Berg were excellent in the 86th minute to break the Ivory Coast defence down. Berg’s final pass deposited Haaland in front of goal, and the prolific striker made no mistake from close range, calmly tapping home the winner.
The goal brought Haaland to an incredible 60 international goals and cemented his record as Norway’s all-time leading scorer and one of the biggest goals in world football and a nation’s top two most prolific players.
Norway's historic victory has now earned them the toughest possible challenge in the Round of 16. Solbakken’s team will meet Brazil now coached by a legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti who will also be there. The Seleção are already on the way to the knockout stage after beating Japan 2-1 in the first round, setting up one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the tournament.
Solbakken’s light-hearted but confident message to Ancelotti has already added a lot of interest to the contest, with Norway carrying such enormous belief after finally winning a World Cup knockout match.
With Ødegaard’s creative genius, Haaland’s clinical finishing, and a fearless young generation anchored by Nusa and Bobb, Norway will go to the biggest match in its football history with the feeling that it can now challenge one of the greatest powers in the sport.
Whether Solbakken's bold promise will be vindicated will be decided when Norway and Brazil meet with a coveted place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals at stake.
