“Confidence continues to grow within the Norwegian squad ahead of the quarter-finals”
Norway pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Brazil 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals for the first time in the nation’s history.
Brazil had the first major chance of the match after being awarded a first-half penalty, but Ørjan Nyland made a crucial save to deny Bruno Guimarães. Norway also had a goal ruled out for offside before the teams went into the break level.
The breakthrough came in the 79th minute when Erling Haaland headed home from an Andreas Schjelderup cross. Haaland doubled Norway’s lead late in the match after Schjelderup provided another assist. Neymar converted a penalty in stoppage time, but Brazil could not find an equaliser before the final whistle.
The historic victory marks Norway’s first World Cup quarter-final appearance and their first appearance at the tournament since 1998. Haaland’s two goals also strengthened his challenge for the Golden Boot, while Brazil’s hopes of lifting a record sixth World Cup title came to an end.
Norway will now face England in the quarter-finals as they look to continue their remarkable World Cup campaign.