Erling Haaland inspired Norway to a famous 2-1 victory over five-time world champions Brazil, netting both goals to send the Scandinavian side into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The highly anticipated Round of 16 clash remained goalless at halftime, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances despite an entertaining contest.
Haaland eventually broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, finishing clinically to hand Norway a deserved lead. As Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser, the Manchester City striker struck again in the 90th minute, doubling Norway’s advantage and putting the Scandinavian side firmly in control.
Brazil were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time when Neymar converted a penalty in the 100th minute after a VAR review, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, it proved to be only a consolation as Norway held on through the closing moments to seal a memorable victory.
The result sends Norway into the quarter-finals, with Haaland once again proving to be the difference on the biggest stage. His clinical brace ended Brazil’s hopes of lifting a sixth World Cup title and underlined Norway’s growing credentials as one of the tournament’s surprise contenders.
For Brazil, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their World Cup campaign despite Neymar’s late penalty, while Norway march on with confidence after eliminating one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
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