In a stunning upset at the 2026 World Cup, Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16, playing at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States.
A Shock in East Rutherford
Erling Haaland was the decisive figure, striking twice in the closing stages to turn the match on its head. His goals extended a personal streak of 14 consecutive competitive games with a score and placed him level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the tournament's Golden Boot race.
Brazil entered the fixture on an 11‑match unbeaten run and had missed an early penalty, a lapse that proved costly. The Seleção could only manage a consolation goal in stoppage time, ending a campaign that had kept them alive for another World Cup chapter.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken made a masterstroke at halftime, replacing both wingers. The tactical shift disrupted Brazil's rhythm and created the space Haaland exploited for his late strikes.
With the victory, Norway will now face either Mexico or England in the quarter‑finals, a matchup that promises another test of the young Norwegian side's growing confidence.
The result marks Brazil's first failure to reach the World Cup quarter‑finals since 1990, ending a period of dominance that began with their 2002 championship.