Norway upset Brazil 2-1 in their 2026 World Cup round-of-16 match on July 5 to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in 28 years [1].

Erling Haaland scored both Norwegian goals, a header in the 79th minute and a long-range shot in the 90th minute [1]. Brazil's Neymar added a late penalty during stoppage time but it was not enough to avoid defeat [1]. With this victory, Norway extended their unbeaten record against Brazil to three wins and two draws [1].

Norway started with Julian Ryerson back in the lineup and Haaland leading their attack [2, 3]. Brazil named Alisson, Danilo, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Rayan, and Vinicius Jr. in the starting XI. Neymar and Raphinha were on the bench [2, 3].

Raphinha had returned to training from a hamstring injury on July 1-3 but was not fully fit to start. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said on July 4, "Raphinha is progressing very well. He is still not at 100%, but he is available to be on the bench and to be able to play a few minutes or be useful at certain moments" [4]. Lucas Paqueta was ruled out due to a hamstring injury from the previous round and replaced by Martinelli in the lineup [4, 2, 3]. Neymar was fully recovered and could have played the full 90 minutes if needed according to Ancelotti [5, 6].

Ancelotti acknowledged Norway’s danger under Haaland, saying, "Everyone knows Haaland. I don't have to explain to my defenders how Haaland plays. They know him better than I do because they have played against him many times" [4]. Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes added, "We have to try to prevent the ball from reaching him. We will be attacking, but there always has to be someone glued to him so we don't give him space" [4].

Norway coach Ståle Solbakken expressed respect for Ancelotti, calling him one of the best coaches in history, but emphasized his team's goal: "It is a great honor for Norway to face Ancelotti, but we must beat him and Brazil to stay in the competition" [7].

Norway’s win marks their best World Cup performance since reaching the quarterfinals 28 years ago [1]. They will now face their next opponent in the quarterfinal stage, scheduled later in the tournament.

The match underscored Haaland’s decisive impact, scoring twice and pushing Norway past a heavily favored Brazil side missing some key starters due to injury.