Norway stun Brazil 2-1 as Haaland double ends Neymar's World Cup career
Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes to send Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals and eliminate five-time champions Brazil. Neymar's late penalty was only a consolation in what he confirmed was his last World Cup match.
Norway stun Brazil with Haaland masterclass
Norway eliminated five-time champions Brazil from the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 victory in the round of 16 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes, while Neymar's late penalty was only a consolation. The result sends Norway into a quarter-final against Mexico or England and marks Brazil's earliest exit since 1990.
- Norway goal disallowed for offside after Berg's finish.
- Penalty awarded to Brazil after Ajer foul on Cunha, confirmed by VAR.
- Bruno Guimaraes' penalty saved by Orjan Nyland.
- Endrick misses one-on-one chance after Vinicius pass.
- Haaland heads Norway ahead from Schjelderup cross.
- Haaland scores second with left-footed strike from 17 metres.
- Neymar converts penalty for Brazil after Ostigard elbow on Casemiro.
Haaland's decisive double
After a goalless first half, Norway broke through in the 79th minute when Andreas Schjelderup crossed from the left and Haaland headed past Alisson. He then sealed the win in the 90th minute with a left-footed strike from 17 metres. The goals were his sixth and seventh of the tournament, taking his international tally to 61 or 62 goals in 54 appearances. Norway's goalkeeper Orjan Nyland was equally vital, saving Bruno Guimaraes' 14th-minute penalty and making several other stops.
Neymar's tearful farewell
Neymar, 34, scored a penalty in the 10th minute of added time after Leo Ostigard elbowed Casemiro, but it was not enough. After the final whistle, he knelt on the pitch and wept, later confirming it was his last World Cup match.
The forward, who debuted at the same stadium in 2010, ends his World Cup career with 130 caps, 80 goals and no senior international trophy beyond the 2013 Confederations Cup.I tried, I tried. Now it's over. I started here and I finished here.
Brazil's missed opportunities
Brazil had chances to take control. Guimaraes' penalty was saved by Nyland after a VAR review for a foul on Matheus Cunha. Early in the second half, substitute Endrick raced clear but shot wide. Vinicius Junior also forced a save from Nyland. The Brazilian federation issued a statement:
Our history is full of great achievements, but also moments that strengthen our path. Today we say goodbye to the World Cup confident that we will return even stronger. Thank you to our fans.
A historic night for Norway
Norway, back at the World Cup after 28 years, produced their finest result. Coach Stale Solbakken, who played in the 1998 meeting between the sides, saw his team withstand early pressure and then unleash Haaland. The striker's personal duel with Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes, a recurring Premier League subplot, added edge. Haaland had previously said of their clashes:
Norway now face either Mexico or England for a place in the semi-finals.I don't regret anything in life. It was in the heat of battle and many things happened during the match. What happens on the football pitch stays there, that's how it is.
