Norway advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday after a 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil in the round of 16 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The win marks Norway’s first appearance in the quarter-finals in the men’s World Cup and comes after a long absence from the knockout stages, having last qualified in 1998 and never gone beyond the round of 16.
The decisive moments came late in the match, when striker Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes. The 6-foot-5 forward first headed in a cross from Andreas Schjelderup in the 79th minute, outjumping Brazil’s defender Gabriel. Then, just before the end of regulation, Haaland drilled a low shot through the legs of Danilo to secure the victory and send Norway through. These goals brought Haaland’s tournament tally to seven, tying him with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé for the lead in scoring at the tournament and extending his streak to 14 consecutive competitive international matches with goals. Haaland now has 62 goals in 54 appearances for Norway.
Norway’s goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, the team’s oldest player at 35, played a crucial role throughout the match, making several key saves to keep Brazil at bay. Among his most notable contributions was a penalty save from Bruno Guimarães early in the first half. Guimarães’ missed spot-kick was Brazil’s first failed penalty in a World Cup since 1986. Nyland also denied attempts from Endrick and Vinícius Jr at critical points in the game.
Brazil managed to score a late penalty through Neymar in the 100th minute, after a foul by Kristoffer Ajer, but the goal came too late to alter the outcome. Neymar’s goal made him only the second Brazilian player to score at four separate World Cups, joining Pelé.
Brazil struggled to break down Norway’s defense despite controlling possession for parts of the match. The team’s decision to have Guimarães, rather than star player Vinícius Jr, take the penalty after an early foul drew scrutiny. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced several substitutions in the second half, including bringing on Endrick and Neymar, but the side was unable to find an equalizer.
The defeat ended Brazil’s streak of eight consecutive World Cup quarter-final appearances, which had lasted since 1990. It also extended their consecutive knockout round losses against European teams at the World Cup to seven. Injuries to key midfielders, such as Lucas Paquetá, were noted as a factor, although Brazil’s attacking talent showed flashes of promise.
Norway, for their part, made tactical halftime changes that proved decisive. Coach Ståle Solbakken replaced Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa with Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb, with Schjelderup playing a pivotal role in setting up both of Haaland’s goals. The team's improved passing and possession control in the second half helped them maintain their advantage.
Norway will face the winner of the Mexico-England round of 16 match on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals. This victory is considered one of the most significant in Norway’s men’s soccer history, demonstrating the country’s progression on the global stage.