Guwahati: Norway secured a historic place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in a gripping Round of 16 encounter at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Brazil began the match as favourites and dominated possession for much of the opening half. They were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute after a foul inside the box, but Bruno Guimarães, who stepped up instead of regular penalty taker Vinícius Júnior, failed to convert as Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced an excellent diving save.
Nyland continued to frustrate the Brazilian attack with a series of crucial saves, helping Norway hold Brazil to a goalless first half despite sustained pressure.
Norway found the breakthrough in the 79th minute when substitute Andreas Schjelderup delivered a precise cross into the penalty area for Erling Haaland, who powered home a header to put his side in front.
Haaland doubled Norway’s lead in the 90th minute after finding space outside the penalty area. The striker fired a low shot through the legs of a defender and into the bottom corner, giving Norway a two-goal cushion late in the match.
Brazil pulled one goal back deep into stoppage time after being awarded a second penalty. Neymar converted from the spot in the 90+10th minute, but there was little time left for a comeback as the final whistle confirmed Norway’s victory.
The result marked Brazil’s earliest FIFA World Cup exit before the quarter-finals since 1990. Following the defeat, Neymar announced his retirement from international football, ending an illustrious career with the Brazilian national team.
The win also saw Norway reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the country’s history. It further extended the Scandinavian side’s unbeaten record against Brazil to five meetings, comprising three wins and two draws.
In another Round of 16 fixture, England defeated Mexico 3-2 in a pulsating contest featuring five goals, two penalties and a red card. The victory secured England’s place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway for a spot in the semi-finals.