Norway secured a 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 5, reaching their first quarter-final since 1998 [1, 2, 3]. Erling Haaland scored both goals for Norway, extending his tournament tally to seven goals in four matches and leading the Golden Boot race [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 3].
Head coach Stale Solbakken praised his team’s unity and calm approach in high-pressure situations. He emphasized playing the match itself rather than the occasion, saying, "We need to play the match, not the circumstances. We need to make sure that we don't play according to the occasion, but that we simply play the game" [7]. Solbakken highlighted the strong culture within the squad, noting, "This is a great group, they love being together, they train well, they help each other and protect each other" [1].
Norway impressed with dominating possession and offensive play while maintaining defensive discipline, supported by wing backs using a zonal defensive style [7, 1, 8]. Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made key saves during the match to preserve their lead [1, 9]. Substitute wingers Andreas Schjelderup and Oskar Bobb delivered strong performances against Brazil, prompting Solbakken to consider lineup changes for the upcoming quarter-final [8].
Despite some health issues and fatigue among the squad—including Jorgen Strand Larsen experiencing fever and coughing—Norway remains confident as underdogs going into their next challenge [10, 11, 9]. Haaland, who was born in England and plays for Manchester City, expressed excitement about facing England, saying, "Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarter-finals in the World Cup in the USA is quite special" [11, 5, 6].
England is considered one of the favorites to win the tournament, boasting star players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham [11, 5, 12]. The quarter-final between Norway and England will take place in Miami on July 11 under hot and humid conditions [5, 6, 12].
A minor controversy before the Brazil match arose when Solbakken mentioned Carlo Ancelotti in a video clip, but it was quickly resolved with Ancelotti sending gifts and messages after the game [2]. Solbakken called Haaland "a unique player and great leader on and off the pitch" [4, 11].
Norway fans have celebrated by performing a Viking rowing gesture to symbolize national unity following their victories [1, 3, 12]. Norway’s next step is the World Cup quarter-final matchup against England on July 11 in Miami [5, 6, 12].
