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In a stunning upset that will be remembered for years, Erling Haaland produced a moment of magic in the final minutes to lead Norway to a 2-1 victory over five-time World Cup champions Brazil in the round of 16 at MetLife Stadium.
The Manchester City superstar’s late double not only secured Norway’s place in the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, but also ended Brazil’s campaign in their earliest exit since 1990.
The match was a tense tactical battle for much of the night.
Brazil, boasting talents such as Vinicius Jr. and a veteran Neymar, controlled large portions but were thwarted by Norway’s resolute defense and an inspired Ørjan Nyland in goal.
The Norwegian goalkeeper set the tone from the start by saving Bruno Guimarães’ penalty, preserving the 0-0 lead before the break.
As the match opened up in the second half, Haaland, who had been leading the line with his usual physicality, found his clinical advantage.
In the 79th minute, Andreas Schjelderup sent in a precise cross and the 6ft 4in striker got ahead of defender Gabriel to head a shot into the net, sending the Norwegian contingent into a tizzy.
Brazil pushed desperately for an equalizer but Haaland struck again in the 90th minute, collecting the ball inside the area before firing a low, composed shot past Alisson.
Neymar, in what could be his last World Cup appearance, converted a penalty in stoppage time to make it 2-1, but the damage had already been done.
Haaland finished with a rating of 9.1 and now has seven goals in four games in the tournament, equaling Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.
His remarkable scoring form (27 goals in a 14-match streak for Norway) has taken the Scandinavians, who have not appeared in a World Cup in almost three decades, into uncharted territory.
“This is historic,” the commentators noted, praising the “Vikings” for their discipline and heart against a star-studded Brazilian team that has now failed to beat Norway in multiple meetings.
The result leaves Brazil, led by Carlo Ancelotti, with deep doubts about the team’s reconstruction and tactical identity going forward.
In the day’s other round of 16 match, England beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Azteca, a match that many are already labeling as one of the highlights of the tournament.
England, which topped Group L with seven points, including solid wins over Croatia and Panama, showed resilience after a red card early in the second half.
The Three Lions’ victory marked the first time they beat Mexico at the Azteca on a World Cup stage.
The result sets up a tempting quarterfinal on July 11 in Miami: England against Norway.
It pits a battle-hardened and tactically astute England side against the raw power and goalscoring brilliance of Haaland and his teammates.
With both nations in full momentum (Norway as giant killers and England as comeback specialists), the clash promises fireworks.
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, continues to generate drama.
Haaland’s form has been the standout individual story, transforming Norway into genuine contenders.
For Brazil, the exit hurts deeply, with Neymar emotional after the match and fans wondering about the next generation.
England, meanwhile, will be wary of the Norwegian threat but confident in their depth.
As the knockout stages heat up, football enthusiasts around the world are excited. Can Haaland maintain his scoring streak against England? Will the experience of the Three Lions prevail?
The quarterfinals promise to be unforgettable in what has already been a memorable World Cup.
