Norway shock Brazil as Haaland shines and Neymar bids farewell

Hassan August 2, 2026 Sports

Norway gave one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by beating Brazil 2-1 to qualify for the first time in the nation’s history to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

It also ended Brazil’s campaign early, their earliest since 1990.

Brazil took several chances to take control of the game, one of which was a penalty in the opening half, but Orjan Nyland made an outstanding save.

Bruno Guimaraes took the shot for the Brazil team.

Despite being under pressure throughout the match, Nyland made a number of key saves for Norway to keep the game even.

Norway would come through in the dying moments with a goal, after a goalless first half.

Read more: Haaland fires Norway into World Cup knockout stage

Erling Haaland found the net in the 79th minute before adding a second goal in the final minutes with a low shot from outside the penalty area.

His two goals guaranteed a great win for Norway and made him the joint tournament leading scorer with Lionel Messi.

Brazil could only score in stoppage time when Neymar was given a penalty after a foul inside the box.

Following the defeat, Neymar announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 16-year career with Brazil.

“Now it’s over, I tried. That’s where it began at MetLife Stadium and that’s where it ended” said Neymar following the match.

The 34-year-old is Brazil’s top scorer (80) in 129 appearances. He made his debut in 4 World Cups for his country and in the Rio 2016 Olympics, he helped Brazil win its first Olympic football gold.

The winner of the Mexico v England game in the World Cup will meet with Norway in quarter-final on July 11.

Also read: Haaland leads Norway into World Cup knockouts