Erling Haaland wrote his name into Norwegian football history on Sunday, scoring twice to fire Norway past Brazil 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 showdown — booking the nation's first-ever quarter-final place at the tournament.

Haaland's brace proved decisive despite a late Neymar penalty that gave Brazil hope in the closing stages. Norway held firm to complete a famous victory and extend their extraordinary record against the South American giants.

Norway's remarkable run against Brazil

Sunday's result means Brazil have never beaten Norway across all their meetings — three defeats and two draws — a record that stretches back decades and now includes two World Cup encounters.

The sides first met on football's biggest stage at France 1998, where Norway claimed a memorable 2-1 group-stage win. Nearly three decades later, history repeated itself in stunning fashion at FIFA World Cup 2026, with the same scoreline delivering the same heartbreak for Brazil.

A milestone for Norwegian football

Reaching the quarter-finals marks a watershed moment for Norway. Despite producing world-class talent across the generations, the country had never previously advanced beyond the round of 16 at a FIFA World Cup.

For Haaland, the occasion only adds to a growing legacy. His clinical finishing — a hallmark of his club career — translated to the international stage at the most critical moment, ensuring Norway continue their improbable march through FIFA World Cup 2026.

Brazil, meanwhile, must reflect on a second successive World Cup defeat to Norway, with Neymar's spot-kick too little, too late to rescue a side that never found their rhythm against a resolute Norwegian defence.