Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, with Erling Haaland scoring twice in a dramatic Round of 16 clash. Brazil paid the price for wasting a series of golden opportunities, including a first-half penalty, as Norway produced a disciplined display led by an outstanding goalkeeping performance.

Both teams lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, with Brazil surprisingly leaving Neymar out of the starting XI. Norway made an aggressive start and thought they had taken the lead in the fourth minute through Patrick Berg, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. Alexander Sørloth continued to trouble the Brazilian defence in the opening exchanges, but Norway failed to capitalize on an early corner.

Brazil were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute after Matheus Cunha was brought down inside the box, with the decision confirmed following a VAR review. However, Bruno Guimarães failed to convert, as Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced an excellent save to deny his effort.

The miss proved to be a major turning point. Brazil continued to create chances through Rayan, Vinícius Júnior, Cunha and Danilo, but Nyland stood firm with a string of impressive saves. Norway also threatened through Martin Ødegaard and Haaland, but neither side managed to break the deadlock before half-time.

Norway returned for the second half with two substitutions and focused on controlling possession through quick, short passing. Brazil responded by introducing Endrick in the 58th minute, but the youngster squandered a clear one-on-one opportunity after being set up by Vinícius Júnior.

As Brazil pushed forward, Nyland continued his outstanding performance, denying efforts from Rayan, Bruno Guimarães and several other Brazilian attackers. Neymar was introduced in the 67th minute in an attempt to spark a comeback.

Norway finally broke the deadlock in the 80th minute. Haaland rose highest to meet a cross into the box and powered a header past Alisson Becker, scoring his sixth goal of the tournament.

Brazil searched desperately for an equaliser, but Nyland produced yet another remarkable save before Haaland struck again in the 90th minute. The Manchester City striker fired home from just outside the penalty area after Brazil’s defence failed to close him down, effectively sealing the contest.

Brazil were awarded another penalty deep into stoppage time, and substitute Neymar converted from the spot to reduce the deficit. However, there was no time for a comeback as the final whistle confirmed Norway’s memorable 2-1 victory and a place in the quarter-finals.