Erling Haaland Nets Twice as Norway Upsets Brazil 2-1 to Reach World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals
On a hot and humid day in East Rutherford, Norway stunned Brazil with a 2-1 victory, powered by two goals from their star striker Erling Haaland. This marks Norway’s first time advancing to the quarterfinal stage at the 2026 World Cup.
Early on, Norway held the ball well during the opening 10 minutes but failed to create clear scoring chances. Brazil nearly struck first when Matheus Cunha was fouled inside the penalty area in the 12th minute, leading to a VAR-reviewed penalty. Yet Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland stopped Bruno Guimarães' spot-kick attempt, keeping the score level.
Later, in the 41st minute, Vinicius Jr. capitalized on a loose ball inside Norway’s box, only for Nyland to make another crucial save, denying a near-corner shot. Despite Norway controlling over 65% of possession in the first half, Brazil managed more dangerous chances, reflected by their 1.06 expected goals versus Norway’s 0.35.
The second half opened with Brazil threatening again. In the 59th minute, Vinicius Jr. delivered a clever through-ball to substitute forward Endrick, who found himself one-on-one with Nyland but fluffed his touch and missed wide.
In the 79th minute, Haaland rose to head Norway into the lead, making it 1-0. Brazil pushed for an equalizer but couldn’t find the net. Haaland sealed the win moments later with a stunning strike from outside the box, doubling Norway’s advantage.
“I dreamt of playing in the World Cup with Norway, but I never expected to win against Brazil,” Haaland said after the match. “I thought it was not possible to do some things, but I guess I’m wrong.”
Teammate Andreas Schjelderup lightheartedly remarked in the postgame area, “We’re all just happy that he’s Norwegian and that he’s playing for us.”
Brazil's Neymar scored from the penalty spot in the dying seconds, reducing the deficit to 2-1, but time ran out for any comeback.
With this victory, Norway advances to the quarterfinals where they will face the winner of the Mexico versus England match. That game is set for Saturday, July 11 at 5 p.m. ET in Miami.
