Norway Reaches World Cup Quarterfinals for the First Time with Haaland’s Two Goals; Brazil Eliminated After 36 Years
In their fourth World Cup appearance, Norway has made history by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time, while Brazil has been eliminated from the round of 16 for the first time in 36 years. Kathmandu, June 22 — Erling Haaland’s two goals helped Norway defeat five-time world champions Brazil 2-1, advancing to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This marks Brazil’s first exit in the round of 16 since 1990. Norway has now defeated Brazil twice in World Cup history, having previously won 2-1 against Brazil in 1998. Norway remains unbeaten in all five matches against Brazil.
Norway will face the winner of the match between Mexico and England in the quarterfinals. The game, held at New Jersey Stadium in New York, saw Haaland score twice in the final 11 minutes of the second half. He opened the scoring at the 79th minute from a pass by Andreas Selldrup, and then headed in a second goal at the 90th minute to secure a 2-0 lead for Norway. Neymar scored a penalty for Brazil in the 9th minute of injury time, but it was insufficient to prevent their defeat.
Brazil failed to convert a penalty awarded in the first half. Early in the half, Bruno Guimarães’s penalty attempt was saved by Norway’s goalkeeper, Oier Næssland. The penalty was awarded after Christopher Ayer of Norway fouled an opponent inside the penalty box, with the referee confirming the decision via VAR. Bruno became the first Brazilian player in 40 years to miss a World Cup penalty. André Ribeiro, who entered the match in the second half, also missed a good scoring opportunity. Throughout the game, Norway maintained possession and applied pressure, holding 65% ball possession compared to Brazil’s 35%.
By scoring twice against Brazil, Haaland has strengthened his lead in the Golden Boot race. He is now tied with France captain Kylian Mbappé and Argentina captain Lionel Messi, all with seven goals each. Haaland has scored in all four of Norway’s matches in this World Cup.
