Erling Haaland produced another unforgettable FIFA World Cup performance, scoring twice in the closing stages to inspire Norway to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brazil and book their place in the quarter finals of the 2026 tournament.
The prolific striker struck in the final 10 minutes to send the five-time world champions crashing out in the round of 16. It marks Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit in 36 years and extends Haaland’s remarkable goalscoring run on football’s biggest stage.
Brazil’s 24-year wait for their sixth crown will have to wait at least for four more years. The Seleçao have not played in the final of the competition since beating Germany 2-0 in 2002.
Erling Braut Haaland has now scored in every World Cup match he has played at the tournament and moved onto seven goals, drawing level with both Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in the race for the Adidas Golden Boot. All three stars have also guided their respective nations into the last eight, setting up an intriguing battle for the tournament’s top scorer award.
Haaland’s latest brace also underlined his extraordinary consistency for his country. The Norwegian forward has now scored in 14 consecutive competitive international matches and increased his national team tally to an astonishing 62 goals in just 54 appearances.
Brazil Pay for Missed Opportunities
Brazil had the perfect chance to take control of the match during the early part of the first half after Matheus Cunha was brought down inside the penalty area. Although the referee initially waved play on, a VAR review overturned the decision and awarded the Seleção a spot kick.
Midfielder Bruno Guimarães stepped forward hoping to give Brazil the advantage, but Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland guessed correctly and produced a fine save to keep the scores level.
The missed penalty proved to be a turning point as Brazil failed to capitalise on their dominance.
The South Americans continued to press after the break, but Norway defended resolutely and gradually grew into the contest.
As the game entered its closing stages, Haaland once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the deadliest finishers in world football.
Haaland Delivers When It Matters Most
With the match appearing destined for extra time, Haaland broke the deadlock with 10 minutes remaining, finishing clinically to give Norway a priceless lead. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Norwegian supporters and shifted all the pressure onto Brazil.
The striker was not finished. Moments later he struck again, completing a devastating late brace that left Brazil stunned and firmly in control of the tie. His composure in front of goal highlighted the difference between the two teams on a night when Norway took their biggest opportunity while Brazil failed to convert theirs.
Brazil did manage to pull one goal back deep into stoppage time when Neymar Jr converted a penalty, but the strike came too late to change the outcome.
Norway held on comfortably to secure one of the biggest victories in their football history and eliminate one of the tournament favourites.
Even more impressively, Haaland has found the net in every World Cup appearance during Norway’s campaign, reinforcing his reputation as a player who thrives under the biggest spotlight. His streak of scoring in 14 straight competitive internationals further reflects the extraordinary form he has carried into the tournament.
Norway will now prepare for a quarter final showdown against either Mexico or England, with confidence soaring after eliminating Brazil.
If Haaland maintains his incredible scoring touch, Norway will believe they can continue their historic run while their star striker looks to move clear of both Mbappé and Messi in the race to finish as the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s leading scorer.
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