Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating tournament favourites Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
The match began at a frantic pace. Norway thought they had taken the lead inside four minutes when Patrick Berg finished after a move involving Alexander Sørloth, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Brazil were handed a golden opportunity in the 13th minute after Matheus Cunha was fouled inside the penalty area.
However, Bruno Guimarães failed to convert from the spot, with goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland making an excellent save to keep the scores level.
The Selecao controlled possession for much of the first half, with Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli, and Cunha repeatedly threatening the Norwegian defence.
Nyland produced a series of impressive saves, while Norway remained dangerous on the counterattack through the partnership of Haaland and Ødegaard.
Norway continued to grow into the contest after the interval. Brazil substitute Endrick squandered a golden chance in the 59th minute, shooting wide after being brilliantly released by Vinícius.
That miss proved costly. After several dangerous attacks, Haaland finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, powering home a precise header from a superb cross by substitute Andreas Schjelderup.
As Brazil desperately searched for an equaliser, Nyland produced another remarkable save to deny an unfortunate own goal before Haaland struck again.
The Manchester City striker calmly finished in the 90th minute, rifling an unstoppable effort beyond Alisson Becker to score his fifth and sixth goals of the tournament and seemingly put the tie beyond doubt.
Brazil were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time, which substitute Neymar confidently converted in the 99th minute.
The goal briefly reignited Brazilian hopes, but there was no time left for a comeback as the final whistle confirmed one of the greatest victories in Norwegian football history.
Guided by head coach Ståle Solbakken, Norway’s blend of tactical discipline, collective unity and world-class talent proved too much for one of football’s traditional giants.
With Haaland continuing his outstanding scoring form and Ødegaard orchestrating play from midfield, Norway now heads into the quarter-finals full of belief.
For Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti, however, the defeat marks a painful and unexpected end to a campaign that began with genuine ambitions of lifting a sixth FIFA World Cup trophy.
Credit Photo : NFF
