Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history.
The Round of 16 clash at New York New Jersey Stadium remained goalless at halftime despite Brazil being awarded a penalty early in the match. Bruno Guimarães had the opportunity to give the South Americans the lead after a VAR review, but Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland made the save to keep the scores level.
After a tightly contested opening hour, Norway broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when Haaland headed home from an Andreas Schjelderup cross.
The Manchester City striker struck again in the 90th minute, smashing a powerful effort from around 20 yards after another assist from Schjelderup to double Norway’s advantage and put the Scandinavian side on the brink of a famous victory.
Brazil pulled one goal back deep into stoppage time after being awarded a penalty when Leo Østigård was penalised for an elbow on Casemiro. Neymar calmly converted from the spot in the 100th minute, but there was insufficient time for the five-time world champions to complete a comeback.
The result sends Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, where they will face either England or Mexico.
Haaland’s brace also took his tournament tally to seven goals, moving him level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings.
Brazil’s elimination marks one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, with the South American giants bowing out despite entering the knockout stage as one of the favourites. Norway, meanwhile, continue their historic run after claiming arguably the greatest victory in the country’s football history.
