World Cup 2026: Norway 2-1 Brazil

By Kede Aihie

Norway made history on Monday with a 2-1 win over Brazil to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in the nation’s history. From the opening whistle Norway controlled possession and tempo, and Brazil never found a rhythm to match it. It was a statement performance built on discipline at the back and ruthlessness up front.

Erling Haaland was the difference. He scored both of Norway’s goals and became the first Norwegian player to record a multi-goal game in a World Cup knockout match. His second, a strike from 22.3 yards, effectively put the game out of reach. At the other end, Ørjan Nyland delivered the other decisive moment when he saved a second-half penalty from Bruno Guimarães. That miss ended a 40-year streak for Brazil — Guimarães is the first Brazil player to fail to convert a World Cup penalty in regulation since 1986, excluding shootouts.

Brazil did pull one back late, but Norway never looked rattled and saw the game out to secure a famous victory. The result sends Norway into the quarterfinals in the midst of its best World Cup run ever, while Brazil exits before the last eight for the first time since 1990.