In the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Norway pulled off the tournament’s biggest upset by defeating five-time world champions Brazil 1-2, thereby securing a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Star striker Erling Haaland netted two brilliant goals—in the 79th and 90th minutes—to lead his team to a historic victory. Neymar Jr. scored Brazil’s only goal via a penalty in stoppage time (90+10′), but it was too little, too late.
Haaland’s two goals turn the tide
The first half of the match, played at the New Jersey Stadium, ended goalless. Both teams created several chances in the second half, but in the 79th minute, Erling Haaland gave Norway a 0-1 lead with a magnificent header. He then scored his second goal in the 90th minute, making it 0-2 and dealing a crushing blow to Brazil’s hopes of a comeback.
Brazil gets a chance, but the result remains unchanged
In the dying moments of the match, Brazil was awarded a penalty in the 90+10th minute. Neymar Jr. converted it to make the score 1-2, but the goal only served to narrow the margin of defeat. As the final whistle blew, Norway celebrated a historic victory and advanced to the quarter-finals.
Brazil squanders a golden opportunity in the first half
Brazil had a prime opportunity to take the lead in the first half. They were awarded a penalty following a VAR review of a foul committed by Kristoffer Ajer on Matheus Cunha. However, Norway’s experienced goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland, made a brilliant save to deny Bruno Guimarães. Nyland went on to play a pivotal role in his team’s victory by thwarting subsequent attempts from Gabriel Martinelli, Vinícius Júnior, Ruan, and Bruno Guimarães.
Endrick Fails to Secure the Lead
Brazil’s young player Endrick was brought onto the pitch in the second half. Just 52 seconds after entering the game, he had a golden opportunity to score but failed to convert it due to a poor first touch. Subsequently, Norway mounted sustained pressure, and Haaland scored two goals to clinch the match.
Haaland in the Golden Boot Race
With the two goals scored in this match, Erling Haaland has reached a total of seven goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has now drawn level with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi on the list of the tournament’s top scorers. The race for the Golden Boot has now become even more exciting.
