World Cup 2026: Haaland brace sinks Brazil as Norway storm into quarter-finals

Norway secured a historic 2-1 victory over Brazil at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time thanks to two late goals from Erling Haaland and a heroic performance by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.

Brazil, who hired Carlo Ancelotti to end a 24-year World Cup drought, were eliminated in the round of 16 for the first time since 1990 when they lost to Argentina. The five-time champions have now been knocked out by European opposition in six consecutive tournaments.

The match started poorly for Norway as Patrick Berg had a goal disallowed for offside. Brazil won a penalty when Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha. Referee Ismail Elfath initially waved play on, but VAR overturned the decision. However, Nyland saved Bruno Guimaraes' tame spot-kick by diving low to his left.

Nyland continued to thwart Brazil, saving efforts from Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius Junior. Haaland struggled to make an impact in the first half but created a chance for Martin Odegaard, whose shot was saved by Alisson Becker.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken introduced Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup at halftime. Endrick almost scored for Brazil but shot wide from Vinicius' pass. Nyland also denied Rayan's fierce strike.

Neymar came on in the 67th minute to huge cheers from the pro-Brazil crowd. But Norway broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when Schjelderup crossed from the left and Haaland powered a header past Alisson.

With Brazil pushing for an equalizer, Nyland made a fingertip save to prevent an own goal from Ajer. Haaland sealed the win in the 90th minute, hammering low into the corner from the edge of the box. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty after a Norwegian elbow on Casemiro, but Norway held on.

Haaland's brace brought him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé on seven tournament goals. Norway will face either co-hosts Mexico or England in Miami on July 11.