By Hotepo Setonyon
Norway produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals to send the South Americans crashing out.
Norway thought they had taken the lead just two minutes into the game when Patrick Berg volleyed home from Alexander Sørloth’s cross. However, the assistant referee had already raised the offside flag before the cross was delivered, and the goal was ruled out.
Brazil were handed a golden opportunity to go ahead in the 13th minute after a VAR review awarded them a penalty following a challenge on Matheus Cunha. Bruno Guimarães stepped up to take the spot-kick, but the Norwegian goalkeeper produced a fine save, pushing the ball away before the defence cleared the danger.
Neither side could find the breakthrough before the interval as the first half ended without a goal.
Brazil came close to opening the scoring in the 59th minute when Endrick found himself one-on-one with the Norwegian goalkeeper, but the young forward failed to convert the chance.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 78th minute when Haaland rose highest to head home Andreas Schjelderup’s cross. Schjelderup, who had replaced Antonio Nusa in the second half, provided the perfect delivery for the Manchester City striker to score.
Haaland doubled Norway’s advantage 11 minutes later with a brilliant strike from outside the penalty area after another assist from Schjelderup, putting the Scandinavian side firmly in control.
Brazil continued to push forward and were awarded another penalty deep into stoppage time. Neymar converted from the spot in the 100th minute to reduce the deficit, but there was no time left for a comeback as Norway secured a famous victory.
The defeat marked Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990. Excluding penalty shootouts, Bruno Guimarães also became the first Brazilian player to miss a penalty during a men’s World Cup match since Zico against France in 1986.
The result sparked wild celebrations among Norway’s players and supporters, while Brazil’s disappointment was made even greater as Neymar announced his retirement from international football after the match.
“I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium, and now I’ve finished here. It’s now over,” Neymar said.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti also responded to criticism over his decision to let Guimarães take the first-half penalty instead of Vinícius Júnior. He explained that the choice was based on statistical analysis of the team’s penalty takers.
“We did some stats, and the best was Raphinha. From the players available, the best was Neymar, then Igor Thiago, then Bruno Guimarães, then Martinelli. Vinícius was not named in the top five. We chose Bruno because we thought he was the best on the pitch,” Ancelotti said.
Haaland’s two goals took his tally at the tournament to seven, moving him level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot.
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