FIFA 2026: Erling Haaland Leads Norway To Knock Brazil Out In Round of 16

Brazil failed to make it past the Round of 16, losing to Norway 2- 1 and ending their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign at the hands of the side making its first appearance since 1998. 

Norway denying the Brazilians a quarter-final appearance will be the South Americans' first in 35 years, since they lost to Argentina by 1-0. Brazil had a glorious opportunity to take the lead in the first half after a penalty was conceded by Huimaraes, before the situation was compounded as Erling Haaland struck twice to seal the victory for Norway. 

Norway broke the deadlock when Andreas Schjelderup's cross was headed home by Haaland. A similar situation later arose in the closing minutes with Schjelderup's cutback reaching Haaland on the edge of the penalty area, and the striker struck a left-footed shot into the left corner. 

 Brazil pulled one goal back as Neymar scored from a penalty in injury time. The Samba Boys were unable to complete a comeback as the injury time was extended. Norway remained unbeaten by Brazil in a FIFA World Cup tournament. 

However, Brazil have been unable to reach the final of the FIFA World Cup since 2002. The farthest they have reached has been the semi-final. Norway will proceed to their first Round of 16 appearance since 1998 and their third since 1938. 

Overview 

Vini and Haaland were standouts for their sides. Odegaard was another force occasionally threatening the Brazilian defence. There is an understanding of the attack working for him and Haaland, putting Brazil on the back foot. Vini remained a force to reckon with. He remained difficult to hold back on the left flank,  barrelling into dangerous areas that threatened Norway's defense. 

Slowing down the pace paid off for Norway, allowing them to capitalise on Brazil's right-back. Eventually, they broke Brazil's resistance from the flank and paved the way to the goal.  Though Brazil had better opportunities than their opponents, finishing was challenging for the South American side. Brazil lacked a formidable striker like Haaland. They replace Matheus Cuna with Derick. Still, Brazil's challenge was a top nine with excellent finishing acumen. 

Chances and Defenses 

Vini forced a save from Nyland, aiming a shot at the target from a difficult angle. Odegaard missed finishing off an assist from Haaland inside the penalty area, and on the second occasion, struck Haaland's assist into Allison's catch. Gabriel and No. 5 let loose the ball on a challenge with Haaland, giving the ball away to Odegaaard.

Endrick missed a glorious chance to set Brazil in the lead. Vini slipped a pass to him on a fast break, but he wasted the opportunity in a one-on-one challenge with Nyland, tipping the ball wide and out of play. Another great moment from Brazil's Guimaraes in the six-yard box was saved by Nyland before Norward had a slice of an opportunity from Ajer's cross that narrowly missed Haaland's tap-in and drifted out of play.