Norway knocked out Brazil 2-1, Haaland matches the goal record held by Mbappé and Messi

Norway national team star Erling Haaland emerged as the hero of the victory, guiding his side to eliminate Brazil with a 2-1 scoreline in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The striker's two goals secured Norway a historic ticket to the quarter-finals.

The match, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States on Monday 6 July 2026 WIB, became a glorious stage for Haaland. The 25-year-old forward netted his goals in the 79th and 90th minutes, while Brazil could only pull one goal back via a Neymar penalty during stoppage time.

This result revives sweet memories for Norway, who previously defeated Brazil in the 1998 World Cup group stage. Unlike that fixture, this victory is far more significant: it marks the first time Norway have ever advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals.

For Brazil, this defeat buries yet another dream of ending their world title drought that stretches back to 2002. The Selecao have once again been knocked out before the semi-final stage, repeating their early exits from the 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament.

Next, Norway will compete in the quarter-final fixture hosted in Atlanta on Saturday 11 July local time. They will await the winner of the knockout tie between Mexico and England.

With his two goals against Brazil, Haaland has now drawn level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot. All three players have now scored seven goals so far in the tournament.

While Haaland was the match-winner, outstanding performances also came from goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland. The Norwegian shot-stopper put on an impressive display with a string of vital saves that left Brazil's attacking line frustrated for the entire duration of the match.

Norway had actually found the back of the net early through Patrick Berg in the 3rd minute. However, VAR ruled the goal out after Alexander Sørloth was judged to have been in an offside position during the build-up.

Brazil were then awarded a golden opportunity in the 12th minute, when referee Ismail Elfath awarded a penalty after reviewing VAR footage for a foul by Kristoffer Ajer on Matheus Cunha.

It was a missed chance for Brazil, as Bruno Guimarães failed to convert from the spot. Nyland read his penalty perfectly to pull off a crucial save.

The Norway goalkeeper continued to demonstrate his class throughout the first half, denying attempts from Gabriel Martinelli and Vinícius Júnior. Meanwhile, Haaland and Martin Ødegaard also created multiple threatening chances but were unable to beat Alisson Becker, leaving the score 0-0 at half time.

The match opened up significantly as the second half got underway. Brazil pushed to increase their attacking intensity, including introducing Endrick to replace Matheus Cunha in the 58th minute.

This substitution very nearly paid off immediately, as Endrick was presented with a clear chance just one minute after coming onto the pitch. Nyland was once again equal to his finish however.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 79th minute. Haaland met Andreas Schjelderup's cross with a powerful downward header that bounced past Alisson into the back of the net, putting Norway 1-0 ahead.

Brazil came agonisingly close to equalising late in the game. Endrick's strike took a deflection off Kristoffer Ajer, but Nyland produced another outstanding reflex save to preserve his side's lead.

Rather than conceding an equaliser, Norway instead doubled their advantage right on the 90th minute. Haaland received the ball inside the penalty area before firing a precise low shot into the corner of the goal, out of Alisson's reach.

Trailing by two goals, Brazil became increasingly frustrated and emotional. A series of fouls disrupted the flow of the match during stoppage time.

Brazil were finally awarded another penalty in the 100th minute, after Leo Østigard was adjudged to have fouled Casemiro during an aerial challenge inside the box.

Neymar, who had been brought on as a substitute in the 67th minute, stepped up and successfully converted the spot kick to cut the deficit to 2-1.

This goal would not be enough to rescue Brazil however. Moments after play restarted, the referee blew the final whistle confirming Norway's 2-1 victory, and with it their historic progression to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.