In one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil with a commanding 2-0 victory in the round of 16.
Kabul 24: The thrilling match took place on Sunday night at the 82,000-capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals to send the Vikings into the quarter-finals.The game exploded into life from the opening whistle.
Norway nearly took the lead as early as the third minute, but the assistant referee’s flag for offside cut short their celebrations. In the 14th minute, Brazil were awarded a penalty after Matheus Cunha was fouled in the box.
Following a VAR review, American referee Ismail Elfath pointed to the spot. Bruno Guimarães stepped up, but Norway’s goalkeeper produced a brilliant save to keep the score level.Both teams created dangerous chances throughout the first half, yet superb goalkeeping from both sides ensured the deadlock remained intact at the break.
Norway defended with great discipline and looked threatening on the counter-attack, while Brazil controlled more of the possession.
The second half saw Brazil come out with renewed intensity. In the 59th minute, young talent Endrick found himself one-on-one with the Norwegian goalkeeper but fired his shot wide of the target.
Norway almost struck back in the 67th minute when Haaland, who had been relatively quiet up to that point, just failed to reach a low cross by a matter of inches.Coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced Neymar in an attempt to inject more creativity and firepower into the Brazilian attack. However, it was Norway who delivered the decisive blow.
In the 79th minute, a precise cross into the penalty area was met by a magnificent header from Erling Haaland, who powered the ball into the net. It was his sixth goal of the tournament and sent the Norwegian fans into ecstasy.
Brazil pushed desperately for an equalizer and came close in the 85th minute, but Norway’s goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland pulled off a spectacular save, earning hero status among the Viking supporters.
As the match entered its final moments and many expected Brazil to find a late equalizer, Haaland struck again. In the 90th minute, the Manchester City striker unleashed a powerful low drive that flew past the goalkeeper, sealing a famous 2-0 victory.
This result ranks among the greatest shocks in World Cup history. Norway, inspired by their talisman Haaland and a rock-solid team effort, have now advanced to the quarter-finals, while Brazil’s star-studded squad faces a disappointing early exit from the tournament.
