- For Brazil national football team, the defeat marks their earliest FIFA World Cup exit since 1990.
- Nyland frustrated Brazil time and again before the break.
- Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to reduce the deficit.
One of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolded at New York New Jersey Stadium as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to book a historic place in the quarter-finals.
Erling Haaland once again proved why he is among the world's deadliest forwards, scoring a splendid brace to end Brazil's title hopes. Norwegian goalkeeper Orjan Nyland produced a heroic display between the posts.
For Brazil national football team, the defeat marks their earliest FIFA World Cup exit since 1990. Stale Solbakken's side reached the last eight for the first time in their history.
ALSO READ: Neymar Jr Bids Farewell To International Football After Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 Exit
Brazil's Dominant Start
Brazil looked the more dangerous side early on and were handed a golden opportunity to take control after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha inside the box. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot. Instead of Vinicius Junior taking responsibility, Bruno Guimaraes stepped up and saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Nyland.
Nyland frustrated Brazil time and again before the break, denying Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius Junior with outstanding saves to keep the score level. Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil continued to dominate possession after the restart, but they could not find a way past the inspired shot-stopper.
Carlo Ancelotti turned to Endrick from the bench, and the youngster almost made an immediate impact. Less than a minute after coming on, he raced through on goal following a superb through pass from Vinicius, but a heavy first touch allowed Nyland to close him down before another chance slipped away.
Recommended For You
Norway Punish Brazil After Missed Chances
Brazil’s numerous missed chances cost them the game. After surviving the constant Brazilian pressure, Norway came out with ruthless efficiency. Andreas Schjelderup burst down the left following a short passing move before delivering a teasing cross that Erling Haaland powered beyond Alisson with a thunderous header to silence the Brazilian supporters.
The marking could have been much better considering the aerial threat Haaland carries. Even the cross should have been closed down quickly.
The South Americans desperately searched for an equaliser, but Norway remained disciplined and scored the final nail in the coffin. Haaland latched onto another opening and calmly fired through Danilo's legs into the bottom corner to complete his brace and spark wild celebrations among the fans.
Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time to reduce the deficit, but it proved nothing more than a consolation as Brazil's World Cup dream came crashing down.
Speaking after the historic victory, Norway coach Stale Solbakken praised his players' belief against one of football's biggest giants. "Everyone in Norway can enjoy this evening. It was a real thriller, but we played a solid tactical game and we should be proud of what we've achieved," Solbakken said.
Haaland, whose brace took him level with the tournament's leading scorers, admitted he simply trusted another chance would arrive. "If I get one or two chances, they usually end up as goals. I just stay focused and believe the opportunity will come. Playing for Norway is the proudest thing you can do," the striker said.
A missed first-half penalty, several missed opportunities and Nyland's inspired performance combined the to produce one of the greatest upsets of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil vs Norway Match Highlights
Brazil vs Norway Match Result: Brazil 1-2 Norway
Goalscorers: Brazil - Neymar (90+10' pen) Norway - Erling Haaland (79', 90')