Norway will face Brazil in the World Cup last-16 match on July 5, 2026, setting up a high-stakes encounter between two historically competitive sides [1, 2, 3].
Erling Haaland scored a late winner against Ivory Coast on July 4, securing Norway’s first knockout stage victory in 28 years and marking his fifth goal of the tournament [1, 2, 3]. Coach Stale Solbakken, a player on Norway’s 1998 team, called Haaland “the greatest goalscorer in the world,” praising his 25 goals over his last 13 competitive internationals [1, 2, 3]. Captain Martin Odegaard said, “It’s amazing to have him in the team, we’re lucky to have him and it’s just about giving him as many opportunities as possible” [1, 2, 3].
Norway’s last World Cup knockout win before this was in 1998, when they defeated Brazil 2-1 in the group stage [1, 2, 3]. Historically, Norway have never lost to Brazil in four previous meetings, with two wins and two draws [1, 2, 3].
Despite Norway’s confidence, coach Solbakken acknowledged Brazil as favorites but insisted Norway will compete hard. He said, “Brazil are favourites, of course they are, but we are hopeful that we will give them a match, and we are not playing the game for fun – we are playing to win the game and to reach the quarter-finals. It’s possible, but it’s very difficult” [1].
Brazil’s key player in the tournament is Vinicius Junior, who has scored four goals and became the first Brazilian since 2002 to score in all three group stage matches [1, 2, 3]. Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who has La Liga experience with Sevilla, recognizes Vinicius’ threat but cited Norway’s strong World Cup qualifying campaign as a source of optimism [1, 2, 3]. Solbakken stressed the need to contain Vinicius: “I think every team needs to set up the team right and try to stop him. It’s not easy. You have seen that so far in the World Cup. We will try to do our best” [1].
Norway’s match against Brazil on July 5 is seen as a critical test as they aim to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time in nearly three decades.
