Norway Knocks Out Five-Time Champions Brazil with Haaland’s Two Goals
Erling Haaland delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice in the closing stages as Norway shocked five-time world champions Brazil 2-1 on Sunday to book a historic place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland was the standout performer for much of the contest, frustrating Brazil with a string of outstanding saves, including a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilians dominated large spells of the game but were repeatedly denied by Nyland, who also kept out efforts from Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Junior and Rayan to keep the score level.
After surviving Brazil’s relentless pressure, Norway struck with 11 minutes remaining. Andreas Schjelderup whipped in a cross from the left, and Haaland rose above Gabriel Magalhaes to power a header into the net for the breakthrough.
The Manchester City striker sealed the victory in the 90th minute, drilling a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area to complete his brace and take his tournament tally to seven goals.
Neymar reduced the deficit from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time after Casemiro was brought down inside the area, but the goal came too late to rescue Brazil.
The result sends Norway into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in their history, where they will face England, while Brazil’s campaign ends in the Round of 16, marking the country’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990.
