By Amaechi Agbo
Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland scored a stunning second-half brace as underdog Norway dumped tournament favorites Brazil out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 2–1 victory at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The historic win sends Norway into their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal, while five-time champions Brazil suffer a premature exit in the Round of 16.
Brazil dominated the opening exchanges and had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 13th minute when Matheus Cunha was brought down in the penalty area by the Norwegian defense.
However, Norway’s goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland, dived correctly to deny Bruno Guimarães from the penalty spot. Nyland’s heroics kept the scores level at 0–0 heading into the halftime break, frustrating a star-studded Seleção side managed by Carlo Ancelotti.
Norway looked more organized defensively in the second half, waiting to exploit their clinical star striker on the counter. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute.
Substitute Andreas Schjelderup delivered a precision cross into the box, allowing Haaland to rise above the Brazilian defenders and head home the opener. As Brazil threw men forward in search of an equalizer, Norway struck again.
In the 90th minute, Schjelderup found Haaland once more, and the Manchester City talisman crashed a definitive second strike past Alisson Becker to make it 2–0.
Deep into stoppage time, Brazil was awarded a second penalty following a VAR review. Substitute Neymar stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick in the 90+10’ minute to provide a brief lifeline.
But it proved too little, too late as the referee blew the final whistle seconds later. The victory means Norway preserves their incredible “kryptonite” football status—remaining the only nation in international football history to have played Brazil multiple times without ever losing a match.
Ståle Solbakken’s side will now advance to face either England or Mexico in the quarterfinals.
Norway’s domination of Brazil
Norway remain the only country Brazil have played but never defeated.
28 Jul 1988 Norway 1-1 Brazil International Friendly
30 May 1997 Norway 4-2 Brazil W International Friendly
23 Jun 1998 Norway 2-1 Brazil W FIFA World Cup
16 Aug 2006 Norway 1-1 Brazil D International Friendly
05 Jul 2026 Norway 2-1 Brazil W FIFA World Cup
