NEW YORK: Erling Haaland’s brace fired Norway into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over five-time champions Brazil at the New Jersey Stadium on Monday.
After a lackluster first half from both sides, the Vikings came out firing after the break as Haaland scored twice to send his team into the quarter-finals for the first time.
With his two goals, Haaland also joined Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race.
During the opening 45 minutes, Brazil managed just two shots on target in eight attempts, including a missed penalty, whereas Norway also failed to make the most of their chances.
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Bruno Guimarães stepped up to take the penalty in the 13th minute after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha inside the area.
However, Guimaraes’ effort was saved by the goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who performed impressively throughout the match.
After the break, Stale Solbakken made two changes, introducing wingers Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup in place of Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa. The changes made little impact as the deadlock remained intact.
For Brazil, Carlos Ancelotti’s changes were too little, too late. Neymar was brought on the field as a substitute in the 67th minute after the hydration break. Gabriel Martinelli also made way for Danilo Santos.
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As the match entered its closing stages, both teams upped the ante, but Norway looked more threatening. Haaland eventually converted Andreas Schjelderup’s stunning cross with a commanding header to send it into the bottom right corner to break the deadlock.
The game was not done, with Brazil having the golden opportunity to score in the 86th minute, but Orjan Nyland produced a brilliant fingertip save to divert the ball onto the woodwork.
Manchester City striker Haaland sealed the victory in the 89th minute, collecting the ball just outside the box before taking a touch and hammering it across Alisson into the bottom corner.
Although the game was already done, Neymar scored a consolation goal for Brazil on a penalty in extra time, which could be his last World Cup goal.
Norway will either play England or Mexico in the quarter-finals.
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