World Cup 2026: Erling Haaland scores twice and Norway shocks Brazil 2-1 to advance to quarterfinals

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — On another warm and humid afternoon, Norway beat Brazil 2-1 behindbehind two more goals from superstar Erling Haaland to advance to the country's first-ever quarterfinals at the 2026 World Cup.

Norway controlled the first 10 minutes of the match with possession, but didn't generate any meaningful chances. Brazil almost got on the board first, as Matheus Cunha was taken down in the box in the 12th minute and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check.

Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland denied Bruno Guimarães' attempt, though, and the game remained scoreless.

Brazil's Vinicius Jr. had another great opportunity in the 41st minute, after stealing the ball in Norway's box, but his shot headed for the near corner was denied by Nyland as well.

Norway had over 65% of the possession in the first half, but it was Brazil (1.06 expected goals to 0.35) that generated the more dangerous chances.

The first big chance of the second half also belonged to Brazil, as Vinicius Jr. threaded a pretty through-ball to substitute forward Endrick (who had just entered the game) in the 59th minute. Endrick ended up one-on-one with the goalie, but a poor touch led to him missing the goal wide.

Haaland — because, of course — scored on a header in the 79th minute to put Norway up 1-0. Brazil had several more scoring opportunities, but came up empty.

Haaland added another a few minutes later, beating the Brazilian goalkeeper from outside the box for his second goal of the match.

Neymar added a goal from the penalty spot with seconds remaining to make the final 2-1, but there wasn't enough time for Brazil to get an equalizer.

Norway moves on to the quarterfinals and will play the winner of Sunday night's Mexico-England match on Saturday, July 11 at 5 p.m. ET in Miami.