Norway’s forward Erling Haaland celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate midfielder Andreas Schjelderup during the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Brazil and Norway at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 5, 2026. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP)
Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup on Sunday, defeating Brazil 2-1 to secure a historic place in the quarter-finals, with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scoring both goals in a clinical second-half display.
The victory marks a landmark achievement for Norway, whose disciplined defending, inspired goalkeeping and ruthless finishing ended Brazil’s hopes despite the South American side dominating large stretches of the contest.
Brazil made the brighter start and created the better chances but failed to capitalise. Their biggest opportunity came in the 14th minute when Bruno Guimarães was awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced a superb save to deny the midfielder, preserving the deadlock.
Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli and Rayan continued to threaten throughout the first half, while Norway responded through Martin Ødegaard and Haaland, who both tested Brazil goalkeeper Alisson. The teams went into the interval level after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
Norway returned with greater purpose after the break, with substitute Andreas Schjelderup providing fresh attacking impetus.
Brazil attempted to regain control by introducing Neymar and Endrick, but Norway struck first in the 79th minute. Schjelderup delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Haaland rose above the Brazilian defence to head powerfully past Alisson.
As Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Norway remained organised defensively and looked increasingly dangerous on the counterattack.
Haaland doubled the advantage in the 90th minute after Schjelderup slipped a perfectly weighted pass into his path. The striker calmly finished into the bottom corner to complete his brace and seemingly put the result beyond doubt.
Brazil pulled a goal back deep into the 12 minutes of stoppage time when referee Ismail Elfath awarded a second penalty after Leo Østigård was judged to have fouled Neymar inside the area.
Neymar converted confidently in the 100th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1, but there was insufficient time for Brazil to mount a comeback before the final whistle.
Haaland’s two goals, Schjelderup’s pair of assists and Nyland’s crucial first-half penalty save proved decisive as Norway recorded one of the most significant victories in the nation’s football history.
For Brazil, the defeat highlighted a lack of clinical finishing, with Guimarães’ missed penalty and several squandered chances proving costly despite a late surge inspired by Neymar.
The result sends Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals with renewed belief, while Brazil exit the tournament after failing to convert territorial dominance into victory.
