Norway produced one of the surprising results of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history.
Erling Haaland inspired the historic victory with two late goals at the New York New Jersey Stadium, sending the Scandinavian side into the last eight while ending Brazil’s hopes of a sixth world title.
The match remained goalless throughout a tense first half, although Brazil missed a golden opportunity to take the lead.
Bruno Guimarães saw his VAR-awarded penalty saved, allowing Norway to stay level despite Brazil enjoying the better attacking moments before the break.
Norway grew stronger as the match progressed and finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute.
Andreas Schjelderup delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, where Haaland rose highest to power a header beyond Alisson, giving Norway a deserved advantage and silencing the Brazilian supporters.
Haaland then produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 90th minute to seal the victory.
Receiving the ball just outside the penalty area, the Manchester City striker took one touch before unleashing a powerful low strike into the bottom corner, leaving Alisson with no chance.
The goal was his seventh of the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé at the top of the Golden Boot standings.
Brazil were handed a late lifeline deep into stoppage time after VAR awarded them a penalty for an elbow by Leo Østigård on Casemiro.
Neymar calmly converted from the spot in the 100th minute, but there was no time left for a dramatic comeback as Norway held on to secure a famous victory.
The result marks the greatest achievement in Norwegian football history, with the team advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
Haaland was the undisputed hero, delivering a match-winning performance that reinforced his status as one of the tournament’s standout players, while Brazil exit the competition in disappointing fashion after failing to build on their narrow victory over Japan in the previous round.
