Erling Haaland struck four minutes from time as Norway came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 and book a place in the World Cup Round of 16 in Texas.
It was a night of firsts that ended in heartbreak for the Elephants, who were contesting the first World Cup knockout match in their history at AT&T Stadium.
Norway, appearing at their first World Cup in 28 years, dug out a result that sets up a daunting last-16 meeting with five-time champions Brazil.
Ståle Solbakken restored his big guns after resting them against France, and his side took the lead through the imagination of their captain and their most dangerous winger.
Antonio Nusa opened the scoring in the 39th minute, curling a right-footed shot into the top corner after a clever pass from Martin Ødegaard.
Nusa was booked in first-half stoppage time, and Norway carried their slender advantage into the interval despite Ivory Coast pressing for territory.
Emerse Faé responded after the hour, introducing Amad Diallo and Elias Wahi, and the change transformed the contest in the visitors' favour.
Diallo delivered on 74 minutes, exchanging a one-two with Nicolas Pépé before weaving through the box to slot home a fine solo equaliser.
Just as Ivory Coast sensed an opening, Norway found their decisive blow through the man who matters most to them.
Haaland struck in the 86th minute, firing a left-footed finish from the centre of the box after Patrick Berg had picked him out.
The numbers told of a balanced evening, with Ivory Coast edging the shot count 12 to nine and dominating the corners, but Norway carried the greater threat on expected goals.
Ivory Coast finished their Group E qualifying campaign with six points, but their tournament is over, the Elephants eliminated for a fourth straight World Cup.
Norway move on with momentum and their talisman firing, knowing that a meeting with Brazil now stands between them and a place in the quarter-finals.
For Faé's side, the abiding feeling is one of pride mixed with frustration, having matched the Europeans for long spells before being undone by quality in the final third.
