Erling Haaland delivered one of the defining performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice in the closing stages as Norway shocked five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to book a historic place in the quarter-finals.
After surviving sustained Brazilian pressure for much of the contest, the Scandinavians struck decisively through Haaland in the 80th minute before the Manchester City striker sealed the victory with a clinical second goal in the 90th minute. Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time, but Brazil’s late response proved only a consolation as Carlo Ancelotti’s side crashed out of the tournament.
The result sends Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals, where Ståle Solbakken’s men will face the winner of Mexico and England on July 11 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. It marks Norway’s deepest World Cup run in modern history and continues a remarkable tournament for a side inspired by Haaland’s prolific finishing.
Brazil had an ideal opportunity to take control early when VAR awarded a penalty after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha. However, Bruno Guimarães failed to capitalize as goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced an outstanding save, making the midfielder the first Brazilian player to miss a World Cup penalty since Zico’s famous miss against France at the 1986 tournament.
The missed opportunity proved pivotal.
Norway gradually grew into the match before substitute Andreas Schjelderup changed its complexion. His delivery from the left found Haaland, whose towering header finally broke the deadlock. Minutes later, Schjelderup again played provider after winning possession, allowing Haaland to drive a low finish beyond Alisson to put the contest beyond Brazil.
Neymar reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 11th minute of stoppage time after Léo Østigård fouled Casemiro, but there was insufficient time for Brazil to mount a comeback.
Haaland’s brace took his tournament tally to seven goals, moving him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
For Brazil, the defeat represents another painful chapter in a title drought that now stretches nearly three decades. Despite entering the tournament among the favourites under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, the Seleção were unable to convert their chances and paid dearly for their missed penalty and lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
Norway, meanwhile, continue to dream. Led by the relentless Haaland and backed by an increasingly confident squad, the Vikings now stand just two victories away from an unprecedented World Cup final.I’m