Norway booked a historic place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages to inspire a dramatic 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil.
The win at MetLife Stadium secured Norway’s first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance and condemned Brazil to their earliest exit from the tournament since 1990.
Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland was the standout performer for Norway, producing a string of remarkable saves, including a first-half penalty stop to deny Bruno Guimarães, as Brazil squandered several opportunities to take control of the contest.
After surviving relentless Brazilian pressure, Norway struck in the 79th minute when Haaland rose highest to head home from Andreas Schjelderup’s inviting cross.
The Manchester City striker sealed the victory in the 90th minute, firing a powerful low effort into the bottom corner to double Norway’s advantage and take his tally to seven goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Brazil managed only a late consolation after Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time following a foul on Casemiro, but it was too little, too late for the South American giants.
The defeat marks Brazil’s sixth consecutive World Cup elimination by European opposition and extends their wait for a sixth world title to 24 years, despite appointing Carlo Ancelotti in a bid to end the drought.
Earlier in the match, Brazil had the chance to take the lead after VAR awarded a penalty for a foul on Matheus Cunha, but Guimarães’ spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Nyland.
The Norwegian goalkeeper continued his outstanding display throughout the game, denying Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli, Rayan, and Guimarães on multiple occasions to frustrate Brazil’s attack.
Norway will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Mexico and England in the quarter-finals on July 11in Miami as they continue their remarkable World Cup campaign.
