Another football giant has fallen at the 2026 World Cup. Five-time champions Brazil have been sensationally knocked out, succumbing to a masterclass from Erling Haaland and an incredible display of resilience from Norway.
The Haaland Show
After a tense, cagey affair for the first 75 minutes, the match exploded into life in the final stretch. Haaland broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, rising highest in the box to bury a powerful, thumping header past the Brazilian goalkeeper.
With Brazil throwing everyone forward in desperation, Norway caught them on the counter. In the 89th minute, a clumsy defense inside the box handed Norway a golden opportunity. Haaland was left unmarked and ice-cold as ever, smashed a clinical, left-footed strike into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
A consolation penalty from Neymar deep into stoppage time settled the final score at 2-1, but it was too little, too late for the South American giants.
A Tale of Two Penalties
Brazil will bitterly rue their missed opportunities, none greater than a first-half penalty that could have completely altered the trajectory of the match. Failing to convert that crucial moment left the door open for Norway, and at this level, a striker of Haaland’s caliber will always make you pay.
With this historic 2-1 victory, Norway doesn’t just protect their legendary undefeated streak against Brazil—they march forward in the 2026 World Cup, leaving the tournament favorites to pack their bags early.