Brazil were bounced from the 2026 World Cup on Sunday as Erling Haaland sent Norway into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time ever with a 2-0 win at MetLife Stadium. In a game that lacked chemistry, chances and all-around quality on the ball, Norway stepped up when it mattered most, with Haaland heading home a cross in the 79th minute before a low finish from outside the box in the 90th minute, making history in the process. The two goals give Haaland seven on the tournament, tying him for the Golden Boot lead with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe as the world's biggest stars continue to fight it out.
With the game level at the half, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti made moves in the second half to try and get his attack going, bringing on Endrick and Neymar at different times, the former missing one-on-one that would have turned the tide.
The latter scored a late penalty kick for Brazil, bringing a consolation goal in the games dying moments, but there was no miracle in the cards.
This was Norway's third appearance in the World Cup round of 16 in history after 1938 and 1998, the latter of which saw them beat Brazil in the group stage.
They now move on to face the winner of England vs. Mexico. This result keeps the incredible statistic alive of Norway being the only national team to have faced Brazil and never suffered defeat, winning three and drawing two.
Norway's win over Brazil is the biggest result in the country's football history. This was their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, fueled by the good fortune of having players like Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Before this, they had never won a knockout match at the tournament, but they defeated Ivory Coast and then took it to the five-time champion to reach the quarterfinals. For a nation of 5.4 million that has spent decades on the outside looking in at major tournaments, beating Brazil on this stage rewrites Norwegian soccer history and allows a dedicated, passionate fanbase to continue dreaming big.
The stat that makes it sting even more for Brazil -- Norway was the one team they had never beaten. Across four prior meetings, Brazil had two draws and two losses to Norway, most famously falling 2-1 to them at the 1998 World Cup. That head-to-head history had sat there for nearly three decades as an odd blemish on Brazil's incredible record, and Sunday's result doesn't just add to it, it does so on the sport's biggest stage with a place in the final eight on the line.
This marks the fifth time in Brazil's last six World Cups that they've lost to the first European team they've faced in the knockouts, a curse that's now followed Ancelotti's group as well, despite him being brought in to end exactly this kind of exit.
For Norway, meanwhile, this is a golden generation, built around Haaland, Odegaard and a talented supporting cast, finally delivering on the international stage after years of near-misses and missed qualifications with eyes now on a spot in the semifinals.
This is huge: Norway win 2-1 against Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti's team are eliminated and out of the World Cup! Norway will now meet the winner of the round of 16 between Mexico and England. Huge disappointment for Ancelotti and the Brazilian national team.
90' It's 2-1, but it may have come too late for Brazil. Neymar has pulled one back from the penalty spot, scoring his first goal of the World Cup and giving Brazil a glimmer of hope in the closing moments.
90' We have another big shock of the tournament as Erling Haaland scored his 7th goal of the tournament and sends Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil home! This is huge!
86' Brazil have come agonisingly close to an equaliser. Nyland came up with another outstanding save as a deflected effort crashed against the post, before Casemiro's dangerous ball across the box evaded everyone in yellow. So close!
80' It's 1-0 for Norway as Erling Haaland scores the opening goal of the match at the MetLife stadium. The Manchester City striker finds the net with an header as he was assisted by Schjelderup. Gabriel could do much better here to stop the Norwegian striker...
67' After the hydration break, Ancelotti turns to Neymar Jr, who replaces Martinelli. Will it be the right call from Ancelotti?
65' Norway had two great chances to take the lead through Haaland, but the Manchester City striker couldn't make the most of either opportunity.
58' Ancelotti has made his first change, bringing on Endrick for Cunha. The Real Madrid striker was involved immediately, but his first effort flashed just wide of the post.
Norway made two changes as halftime: both attacking wingers Sorloth and Nusa were replaced by Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup.
45' It's goalless at the break in this Round of 16 clash, but not for a lack of drama. Nyland has been Norway's hero so far, saving a penalty and producing at least two more outstanding stops. Brazil grew into the game after a shaky start, but they'll need much more in the second half to avoid a major upset.
45' Odegaard came close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time, but Alisson was equal to the effort with a crucial save. Haaland continues to be Norway's focal point, holding up the ball well and causing Brazil's defenders plenty of problems on his own.
40' Vinicius Jr had his first real chance to score today and once again Nyland made a big save for his team. Brazil are improving minute after minute...
30' Big chance for Brazil as Martinelli had a chance to score the opening goal but once again Norway's goalkeeper saved it and we're still on the same result after the opening 30 minutes.
13' It's still 0-0 here as Bruno Guimaraes missed a penalty and Nyland saved it! Wow, this is unexpected.
10' This is a clear penalty for Brazil as Cunha was tackled in the box: the VAR calls the referee at the monitor and it's penalty!
3' Norway thought they had the opener through Berg, but the flag went up immediately for offside. Early warning signs for Brazil, though: Their defensive line already looks vulnerable.
The biggest decision of the lineups come from Brazil where Carlo Ancelotti decided not to include Lucas Paqueta in the starting lineup who will be replaced by Rayan in the attack. Meanwhile, Raphinha is available again and will start from the bench...
Anthems are done, the players are in position, and we're moments away from kick-off at MetLife Stadium. Here we are!
Let's now take a look at the lineups:
Brazil: Alisson Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes; Rayan, Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha.
Norway: Orjan Nyland; Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe; Patrick Berg, Sander Berge; Alexander Sorloth, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa; Erling Haaland
Two teams who have concluded attack is the best form of defense should deliver an intriguing competition. While it is easy to see why Brazil are favorites it is worth reaffirming that if this does become a shootout, Norway have the best shooter on the planet. If Erling Haaland is himself, this could be a shock. Pick: Brazil 2, Norway 3
Date: Sunday, July 5 | Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: MetLife Stadium -- East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV: FS1 (Eng), Universo (Spa) | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Odds: Brazil -118; Draw +250; Norway +300
Things are getting serious today! Brazil meet Norway for one of the most awaited games of the World Cup in the round of 16. I'm Francesco Porzio, here we go!
