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Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history.
Erling Haaland was the hero for the Scandinavians, scoring twice in the closing minutes at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to send Brazil crashing out of the tournament and book Norway’s place in the last eight.
The first half ended goalless, but Brazil squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead after Bruno Guimarães saw his early penalty saved, leaving the South Americans frustrated despite enjoying much of the possession.
Norway remained disciplined throughout and finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when Andreas Schjelderup delivered a pinpoint cross for Haaland to power a header beyond the Brazilian goalkeeper.
With Brazil pushing desperately for an equaliser, Norway struck again in the 90th minute. Schjelderup once more turned provider, releasing Haaland, who drove a powerful strike from outside the penalty area into the net to complete his brace and stun the five-time world champions.
Brazil were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review awarded a penalty for an elbow by Leo Østigård on Casemiro. Neymar calmly converted in the 100th minute, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Norway held on for a famous victory.
The result sends Norway into the quarter-finals, where they will face either England or Mexico, while Brazil’s quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title comes to an abrupt end.
Haaland’s two goals also took his tally to seven at the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
For Norway, the victory ranks among the greatest moments in the country’s football history, while Brazil are left to reflect on a disappointing campaign that ended far earlier than many had anticipated.
