Norway stun five-time champions Brazil to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals

Played in New Jersey, the high-stakes encounter remained tightly contested before Norway captain Erling Haaland delivered a match-winning performance with two late goals

NEW JERSEY: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-July 6th, 2026) Norway produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating five-time world champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 to book their place in the quarter-finals for the first time in the tournament’s history.

Played in New Jersey, the high-stakes encounter remained tightly contested before Norway captain Erling Haaland delivered a match-winning performance with two late goals.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 79th minute, giving Norway a crucial lead after a disciplined defensive display. He doubled the advantage in the 90th minute, putting the Scandinavian side firmly in control and leaving Brazil on the brink of elimination.

Brazil managed to pull one back deep into stoppage time when Neymar Jr converted a penalty, but the goal came too late to change the outcome as Norway held on for a historic victory.

The result ended Brazil’s campaign and sent Norway into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time ever, marking a landmark achievement for the national team.

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Following the final whistle, Norway’s players and coaching staff celebrated jubilantly with thousands of supporters inside the stadium. Head coach Ståle Solbakken led the celebrations by acknowledging the fans before the players performed their traditional post-match celebration to the sound of drums. Match hero Haaland was handed the drum, with the stadium erupting as players and supporters joined in the festivities.

In contrast, the defeat brought heartbreak for Brazil. Television cameras captured Neymar in tears after the final whistle as the South American giants’ hopes of lifting a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title came to an end.

Norway will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between England and Mexico in the quarter-finals as they continue their remarkable World Cup campaign.