In-form striker Erling Haaland struck two late goals as Norway stunned record five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup last 16, sending the Scandinavian team into the quarter-finals for the first time.
The momentum appeared in Brazil’s favour at the start, as Kristoffer Ajer conceded an early penalty with a challenge on Matheus Cunha after 13 minutes.
But the Brazilian fans were left scratching their heads as Bruno Guimaraes stepped up to take the kick instead of Vinicius Jr, with the midfielder having his effort saved by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken replaced both wingers after halftime, sending on Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb, a masterstroke that gave Haaland the supporting cast he needed to put on a show.
The Manchester City striker was a full head above the Brazilian defenders as he headed in the opener in the 79th from a superb cross by Schjelderup.
It was Haaland’s sixth (6) goal in this World Cup campaign and one of Europe’s top strikers wasn’t stopping there.
Eleven minutes later, Schjelderup again teed up Haaland, who appeared exhausted but found enough strength to fire in an unstoppable strike from outside the box that stunned the Brazilians and their manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Haaland, who has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive games and pulled level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race with his seventh goal of the tournament.
Neymar’s penalty deep into stoppage time gave the Brazilians a glimmer of hope.
However, the goal was only to be a consolation as Norway’s victory means Brazil failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.
Norway will now play England in the quarter-finals.
“I peaked a couple of times in this tournament, but every now and then I get a new peak,” said Haaland. “If I get a chance or two, it usually turns into a goal. I don’t know how I do it, but that’s how I am. It’s about being focused.”
The Brazil players were left shattered by the humbling loss.
“It’s inexplicable,” defender Marquinhos said. “We have to take responsibility for this so that future generations can build on it.”
