Norway pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, defeating Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 as Erling Haaland scored a late brace to send the five-time champions out of the tournament.
Brazil controlled much of the contest at the New York New Jersey Stadium and created the better chances, but Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland delivered a superb performance to frustrate the South Americans.
The Brazilians were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 14th minute after a VAR review awarded a penalty for a foul on Matheus Cunha. However, Bruno Guimarães saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by Nyland.
Norway thought they had gone ahead early in the game when Patrick Berg found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up.
Brazil continued to threaten through Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli and Rayan before the break, while Martin Ødegaard and Haaland tested Alisson Becker at the other end as both sides went into half-time level.
Carlo Ancelotti introduced Endrick early in the second half in search of a breakthrough, but the teenager squandered a clear opportunity after being played through by Vinícius Júnior, taking a heavy touch before poking his effort wide.
The missed chances proved costly as Norway made their dominance count late in the game.
Haaland broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, rising above Brazil’s defence to head home Andreas Schjelderup’s lofted cross from close range.
Brazil pushed forward desperately in search of an equaliser, with Vinícius Júnior, Endrick and Casemiro all going close, but Norway remained organised defensively while continuing to threaten on the counterattack.
Deep into stoppage time, Schjelderup turned provider again, slipping a perfectly weighted pass to Haaland on the edge of the penalty area. The Manchester City striker kept his composure and fired into the bottom-right corner to complete his brace and put the result beyond doubt.
Neymar converted a penalty in added time to reduce the deficit to 2-1, but Brazil ran out of time as Norway sealed a famous victory and booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The defeat means Brazil’s quest for a sixth FIFA World Cup title will now extend to 28 years, while Norway advance to the last eight of the competition for the first time in their history.
