Haaland's Brace Sinks Brazil — Norway Stun the Five-Time Champions to Reach a First-Ever Quarterfinal

The 2026 World Cup produced its biggest shock yet in the Round of 16. Erling Haaland struck twice late — a header and a left-footed finish — as Norway beat five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach a first-ever quarterfinal. It was a stunning turnaround at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

With the game goalless, it was Haaland who decided it. In the 79th minute he powered in a header from Andreas Schjelderup's cross to break the deadlock, and right at the end of normal time (90') he lashed in a second with his left foot to seal it. The world's finest striker delivered on the biggest stage. The brace took Haaland to seven goals, level with Messi and Mbappé at the top of the scoring charts — with Mbappé leading the Golden Boot race on assists.

For Brazil it was a night to forget. Neymar, introduced in the 67th minute, converted a penalty in the dying seconds to pull one back, but that was as good as it got. In what may well be his final World Cup, Neymar's tournament ended in the Round of 16. The exit of the five-time champions and pre-tournament favourites is another giant felled, after Germany and the Netherlands went out in the Round of 32.

For Norway it was a historic night. Back at a World Cup for the first time in 28 years, they finished second in their group, edged Ivory Coast 2-1 in the Round of 32 and have now toppled Brazil to reach the last eight for the first time in their history. Haaland's Norway will face the winner of Mexico vs England in Miami on July 11 for a place in the semifinals.

The Round of 16 rolls on: Mexico vs England and the Iberian derby Portugal vs Spain on July 6, then USA vs Belgium, Switzerland vs Colombia and the Messi–Salah showdown in Argentina vs Egypt on July 7. Follow every result live on our bracket page (/bracket).