Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
Brazil paid the price for missed chances, including a first-half penalty by Bruno Guimaraes, before Haaland turned the game in Norway’s favour.
The Manchester City striker had been quiet for much of the match. However, he came alive when Norway needed him most.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 79th minute after beating centre-back Gabriel to a cross from Andreas Schjelderup.
He then sealed Norway’s historic win in the 90th minute with a low strike from outside the box.
Brazil pulled one back deep into stoppage time after referee Ismail Elfath awarded a penalty against Leo Ostigard for an elbow on Casemiro.
Neymar converted from the spot, but the goal came too late to save Brazil.
The result means the five-time world champions have failed to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.
Brazil miss early chance to take control
The last-16 tie in New Jersey started with early drama.
Norway midfielder Patrick Berg had the ball in the net after four minutes, but the goal was ruled out after Alexander Sorloth was caught offside.
Brazil then got a major chance to take the lead when Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha inside the penalty area.
Guimaraes stepped up in the 15th minute, but his stuttering penalty was saved by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland.
Nyland later denied Vinicius Jr after the Brazilian forward won possession from Norway captain Martin Odegaard.
The goalkeeper proved crucial to Norway’s win, making several important saves before Haaland settled the contest.
Haaland delivers when Norway need him
Brazil introduced Endrick in the 58th minute, replacing Cunha.
The 19-year-old nearly scored with his first involvement after Vinicius played him through, but he failed to hit the target when one-on-one with Nyland.
Carlo Ancelotti later brought on Neymar as Brazil searched for a breakthrough.
Instead, Norway created the better chances in the final stages.
Alisson first saved from Schjelderup before the Benfica winger delivered the cross that allowed Haaland to head Norway in front.
Nyland was called into action again in the 86th minute, pushing a looping effort onto the post.
Four minutes later, Haaland struck again to take his tournament tally to seven goals.
The goal moved him level with France’s Kylian Mbappe and Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
Gabriel and Haaland renew Premier League rivalry
Much of the pre-match attention focused on Haaland’s battle with Arsenal defender Gabriel.
The pair have had several physical meetings in the Premier League, and their World Cup meeting carried similar intrigue.
However, the contest took time to ignite.
Their first major duel came after the half-hour mark and ended with Gabriel on the ground.
Haaland’s only first-half touch inside the box produced a weak effort that Alisson saved comfortably.
As the match wore on, Haaland became more dangerous.
He nearly reached an Ajer cross at the far post in the 67th minute before beating Gabriel to the decisive header 12 minutes later.
His second goal showed his individual quality and gave Norway a result that will be remembered as one of the tournament’s major shocks.
Ancelotti faces questions after Brazil exit
Brazil’s early exit is likely to raise questions about Ancelotti’s future.
The Italian coach was appointed in May 2025 after leaving Real Madrid and helped Brazil secure World Cup qualification.
His contract runs until 2030, but the manner of this defeat is likely to intensify debate in Brazil.
Brazil finished with 14 attempts, but only four were on target.
They generated an expected goals figure of 2.73, compared to Norway’s 0.84, but failed to take their chances.
Norway will now face England in the quarter-finals.
