Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eliminating five-time champions Brazil with a dramatic 2-1 victory, thanks to a late double from Erling Haaland that booked the Scandinavians a historic place in the quarter-finals.
The Manchester City striker struck twice in the closing stages at MetLife Stadium to send Norway beyond the last 16 for the first time in the men’s team’s history, ending Brazil’s tournament far earlier than expected.
After a tense contest looked destined for extra time, Haaland broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when he met Andreas Schjelderup’s cross from the left and found the net.
The Norwegian captain sealed the famous victory in the final minute of normal time, firing a powerful low effort into the corner after another assist from Schjelderup to spark jubilant celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Brazil managed a consolation goal deep into stoppage time when Neymar converted a penalty after Casemiro was fouled, but the final whistle arrived moments later, ending Carlo Ancelotti’s hopes of leading the Seleção to a sixth World Cup title.
The result sends Norway into the quarter-finals, where they will face either England or Mexico for a place in the last four.
An emotional Haaland described the victory as one of the greatest moments in his country’s sporting history.
“Maybe this will write history in Norway,” he said.
“Everyone just need to enjoy themselves. This is just an insane day. It’s one of the most insane days in Norwegian history. Just enjoy it, embrace it and enjoy the moment.”
The striker’s remarkable performance also intensified the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Haaland now has seven goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé at the top of the scoring charts.
His international scoring form continues to reach extraordinary levels, with the 24-year-old now having found the net in 14 consecutive matches for Norway, scoring 27 goals during that run.
Brazil had opportunities to seize control long before Haaland’s decisive intervention.
The South Americans were awarded a first-half penalty after a VAR review ruled Kristoffer Ajer had fouled Matheus Cunha inside the area. However, Bruno Guimarães failed to capitalise as goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced an outstanding save in the 14th minute.
The miss proved costly. Guimarães became the first Brazilian player since Zico in 1986 to fail to convert a World Cup penalty, with the decision to let him take the spot-kick instead of Vinícius Júnior likely to come under scrutiny.
Nyland delivered another crucial intervention late in the match, stretching to tip away Endrick’s effort as Norway defended their slender lead before Haaland struck again.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper emerged as one of Norway’s heroes on a night that will rank among the nation’s greatest football achievements.
Head coach Ståle Solbakken praised his players after guiding Norway beyond the last 16 for the first time, having previously been eliminated at that stage in both 1938 and 1998.
“I think that all Norwegian citizens are experiencing the night of a lifetime,” Solbakken said.
“Some people say that we have changed Norway forever. Probably, they will party for a week or so.”
Solbakken also highlighted his tactical changes at half-time after introducing Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb, with Schjelderup going on to create both of Haaland’s goals.
“During the game, you have to take the calls decisions that you feel are appropriate,” Solbakken said.
“It’s a gut feeling that Oscar [Bobb] and Andreas might make a difference, and I felt more secure with them on the pitch the way I wanted us to play the second half, and then you saw what happened.”
The victory marks another milestone for Norwegian men’s football. Having qualified for only four World Cups and not appearing at the tournament since 1998, the team has now gone further than ever before.
For Brazil, the defeat deepens a worrying trend. The Seleção have now been eliminated by European opposition in six consecutive World Cups since lifting the trophy in 2002.
It also ends Brazil’s remarkable run of reaching at least the quarter-finals at every World Cup from 1994 through 2022 and guarantees the country’s longest wait for a world title since winning their first championship in 1958. By the time the 2030 tournament arrives, Brazil will have gone 28 years without lifting football’s biggest prize.
The historic encounter attracted a sell-out crowd of 80,663, with celebrities including Jay-Z, Chris Rock, Woody Harrelson, Sofía Vergara and NBA champion Jalen Brunson among those in attendance.
When the final whistle sounded, Norway’s supporters erupted into celebration, performing their now-famous Viking Row as Haaland grabbed a drum and led the jubilant scenes.
“I’ve peaked a couple of times during this tournament,” Haaland said. “But this was a new peak.”
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