Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 World Cup, eliminating five-time champions Brazil with a 2-1 victory in the round of 16 on Sunday.
The Manchester City striker headed Norway ahead late in the contest before sealing the win with a powerful low strike from outside the box. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty for Brazil, but it proved too little, too late.
The result marks Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990. Norway, in uncharted territory, advance to the quarter-finals and will face the winner of Mexico versus England.
Haaland’s brace took him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe on seven goals in the Golden Boot race, underlining his pivotal role in Norway’s historic run. Brazil, despite dominating periods, were undone by clinical finishing and defensive lapses against a well-organised Scandinavian side.
