Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 5 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Erling Haaland scored both goals for Norway, securing their first-ever World Cup knockout stage win and quarter-final appearance [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
Haaland’s two goals brought his tournament total to seven, tying him with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé for the Golden Boot race. The striker reflected on the victory, saying, "I couldn’t quite believe it because I didn’t dream of this ever in my life… It’s unreal and I don’t have words" [1, 3, 4, 6].
Norway’s coach Ståle Solbakken called the day "the greatest in Norwegian football history," adding, "This is a great group. They love being together, they train well, they help each other and protect each other" [2, 4, 6]. Tens of thousands gathered in Oslo to celebrate, with Crown Prince Haakon joining fans near the royal palace [2, 5].
Despite a late penalty from Neymar in added time, Brazil could not recover and suffered their earliest World Cup exit since 1990. Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti said, "Everyone is profoundly disappointed. I think we didn’t do a spectacular World Cup" [2]. Neymar hinted at retiring from international football shortly after the match, stating, "I tried, I tried … Now it’s over" [2].
Norway’s win maintained their unbeaten record against Brazil, with three wins and two draws in five all-time meetings [1, 3]. The team’s previous World Cup appearance was in 1998 [4, 6].
Norway will face either co-host Mexico or England on July 11 in Miami for a place in the semi-finals of the tournament [1, 3, 6]. Haaland urged fans to "enjoy the moment," calling the day "one of the most insane days in Norwegian history" [6].
