Haaland's Brace Sends Brazil Crashing Out as Norway Reach First-Ever World Cup Quarter-Final

Norway produced the biggest shock of the 2026 World Cup so far on Sunday, coming from behind to beat Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium and reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the nation's history.

Erling Haaland was the match-winner, heading home a cross in the 79th minute before adding a second with a low finish from outside the box in the 90th minute. The double took his tournament tally to seven goals, tying him with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at the top of the Golden Boot race.

Neymar had given Brazil hope with a converted penalty, his first goal of the tournament after a nagging calf injury limited him to substitute appearances for much of the group and knockout stages. It proved to be his final act in a Brazil shirt, with the veteran forward confirming after the match that his international career was over.

For Norway, the result is already being described as the biggest in the country's footballing history. Having never previously advanced beyond the group stage of a World Cup, Stale Solbakken's side now face a daunting task in the last eight but will do so with belief after toppling one of the tournament favourites.

Brazil's exit triggers a broader reckoning for a squad built around an aging core, with question marks now hanging over the technical staff and the direction of the program heading into the next World Cup cycle.