Erling Haaland produced an unforgettable performance, scoring a brace as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday to book their spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Manchester City striker found the net twice in 11 second half minutes, capping one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history and ending Brazil’s campaign, while Norway continued their remarkable run at the tournament.
Norway made the brighter start and thought they had taken the lead after just three minutes when Patrick Berg rifled a superb strike into the top corner. However, celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside in the build-up.
Brazil had an opportunity to seize control in the 10th minute when they were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a foul on Matheus Cunha. Bruno Guimarães stepped up but saw his effort brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Ørjan Håskjold Nyland, who dived to his left to keep the scores level.
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Nyland continued to frustrate the five-time world champions throughout the first half. He stopped Gabriel Martinelli’s dangerous cross from finding a yellow shirt in the 31st minute before producing another excellent save to deny Vinícius Júnior 10 minutes later.
Norway nearly grabbed the breakthrough just before halftime, but Brazil goalkeeper Alisson produced an outstanding stop to deny Martin Ødegaard from close range, ensuring the teams went into the interval level.
Brazil looked more threatening after the restart, with substitute Endrick coming closest to opening the scoring. Moments after entering the match, the teenager was sent clear by a superb pass from Vinícius Júnior in the 59th minute, but his heavy touch allowed the chance to almost slip away before he clipped his finish wide.
Nyland remained Norway’s hero, making another smart save to deny Rayan in the 62nd minute. Sensing the need for greater attacking impetus, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced Neymar Jr. and Danilo in the 67th minute.
However, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute, and it belonged to Norway. Andreas Schjelderup delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Haaland rose highest to power a clinical header beyond Alisson and send the Norwegian supporters into celebration.
Nyland produced yet another crucial save in the 86th minute to protect Norway’s slender advantage, and the stop proved decisive. Deep into stoppage time, Schjelderup again turned provider, finding Haaland, who took a touch before drilling a low finish into the bottom-right corner to double Norway’s lead.
Brazil were handed a late lifeline when Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty to reduce the deficit to 2-1, but there was no time left for a comeback as Norway sealed a famous victory.
The result sends Norway into the World Cup quarterfinals, where they will face either England or Mexico, while Brazil crash out before the last eight for the first time at a men’s World Cup since 1990.
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