2026 FIFA World Cup – Round of 16
Norway 2-1 Brazil (Haaland (79′, 90′) | Neymar (90+10′, pen)
East Rutherford, USA: Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to book a historic place in the quarter-finals.
The Manchester City striker struck in the 79th and 90th minutes to send the Scandinavian nation into the last eight for the first time ever, ending Brazil’s campaign at the Round of 16 stage, their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
Haaland’s match-winning brace also took his tournament tally to seven goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
Norway will now face the winners of the England versus Mexico Round of 16 clash in Miami on July 11.
How it happened
Brazil dominated large spells of the contest at MetLife Stadium but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Orjan Nyland, whose heroics between the posts proved decisive.
The Norwegians thought they had taken an early lead inside three minutes through Patrick Berg, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Brazil were handed a golden opportunity midway through the first half after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha inside the penalty area. Although referee Ismail Elfath initially waved away the appeals, VAR overturned the decision and awarded the penalty.
Bruno Guimarães stepped up, but Nyland guessed correctly and produced a superb save to preserve the deadlock.
The Norway goalkeeper continued to frustrate the Brazilians, denying Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Junior and Guimarães with a string of outstanding saves as Carlo Ancelotti’s side failed to capitalise on their dominance.
Norway gradually grew into the contest, with Martin Ødegaard forcing Alisson Becker into an important save before halftime after Haaland’s strength unsettled Brazil’s central defenders.
Ancelotti introduced teenage forward Endrick early in the second half before throwing on veteran Neymar in the 67th minute as Brazil searched for the breakthrough.
Instead, it was Norway who struck first.
Substitute Andreas Schjelderup delivered an inviting cross in the 79th minute and Haaland rose highest to power a towering header beyond Alisson, sending the Norwegian fans into wild celebrations.
Brazil pushed everyone forward in search of an equaliser but were caught on the counterattack with normal time almost over.
Haaland collected possession just outside the penalty area before firing a powerful low finish beyond Alisson in the 90th minute to seemingly put the contest beyond reach.
Brazil were handed a second penalty deep into stoppage time after Casemiro was fouled inside the area. Neymar converted from the spot in the 100th minute after a brief confrontation with Nyland, but there was no time left for another comeback as Norway held on for a famous victory.
The defeat extends Brazil’s frustrating World Cup run, marking a sixth successive elimination by European opposition and another disappointing chapter in their quest to win a first world title since 2002.
For Norway, however, the dream continues. Led by Haaland, Ødegaard and the outstanding Nyland, Ståle Solbakken’s side have become one of the surprise packages of the tournament and now stand just two victories away from an unprecedented appearance in the World Cup final.
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