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NORWAY produced one of the greatest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 on Sunday, securing a historic first-ever place in the quarter-finals and eliminating the tournament's most successful nation far earlier than expected.
Erling Haaland emerged as Norway's match-winner, scoring twice during the final 11 minutes after goalkeeper Orjan Nyland had kept the Scandinavian side in contention with a series of outstanding saves, including a first-half penalty stop from Bruno Guimaraes.
AFP reported on Monday that Neymar reduced the deficit from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time after converting Brazil's second spot kick of the evening, but the late goal proved only a consolation as Norway held on for one of the country's most memorable international victories.
Haaland's brace lifted his tournament tally to seven goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot, while Norway advanced to a quarter-final clash against either co-hosts Mexico or England in Miami on 11 July.
For Brazil, the defeat marked another painful chapter in their prolonged World Cup disappointment. Despite appointing Carlo Ancelotti to restore the nation's dominance and end a 24-year wait for the trophy, the five-time champions were eliminated by European opposition for a sixth consecutive World Cup.
It also represented Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990, when they were beaten 1-0 by fierce rivals Argentina in the Round of 16.
Norway made a bright start and thought they had taken the lead inside three minutes through Patrick Berg, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside during the build-up.
Brazil were then awarded a penalty after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha inside the area. Referee Ismail Elfath initially dismissed the appeals before VAR intervened and overturned the decision.
Guimaraes stepped up but saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Nyland, who guessed correctly and dived low to his left to preserve parity.
Nyland continued his outstanding display throughout the first half, denying Gabriel Martinelli with a crucial touch before preventing Guimaraes from converting the rebound. Moments later, he thwarted Vinicius Junior after Martin Odegaard lost possession in a dangerous area.
Despite being largely contained by Brazil's defence, Haaland almost created the opening goal before the interval, overpowering Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos before Martin Odegaard's resulting effort was saved by Alisson.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken reshuffled his attack at half-time, introducing Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup in place of Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth.
Brazil responded by bringing on Endrick, who was immediately presented with a golden opportunity after a sublime outside-of-the-foot pass from Vinicius Junior, only to lift his finish wide as Nyland rushed from his line.
The Norwegian goalkeeper continued to frustrate Brazil after the restart, producing further excellent saves to deny Rayan and Guimaraes as the South Americans failed to capitalise on their dominance.
The introduction of Neymar in the 67th minute lifted the atmosphere inside New York New Jersey Stadium, but it was Norway who finally broke the deadlock.
Schjelderup delivered an inviting cross from the left and Haaland rose above Gabriel to power a commanding header beyond Alisson and give Norway the lead with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Brazil pushed desperately for an equaliser, but Nyland produced yet another remarkable save after Ajer inadvertently looped the ball towards his own goal.
Haaland then appeared to seal victory in the 90th minute, drilling a low finish into the corner from the edge of the penalty area to double Norway's advantage.
Brazil were handed a lifeline in the 10th minute of added time after Casemiro was adjudged to have been struck by an elbow inside the area. Following a heated exchange between Neymar and Nyland, the Brazilian star calmly converted the resulting penalty.
However, there was no time for another comeback as Norway closed out a famous victory, ending Brazil's campaign and continuing one of the most remarkable runs of the tournament. - July 6, 2026
