Norway are on the verge of making history at the FIFA World Cup 2026 — and the journey to this moment has been a long time coming. The Scandinavian nation last appeared at a World Cup in 1998, meaning they endured a 28-year absence from football's greatest stage before finally returning.

That 1998 tournament in France holds a special place in Norwegian football folklore. Norway defeated Brazil in the group stage — a result that remains one of the most celebrated in the country's history — but they did not progress beyond the round of 16.

History within reach

Now, nearly three decades later, Norway find themselves in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 once again, and with a chance to go further than any Norwegian side has managed before. A place in the quarter-finals would represent the deepest run the nation has ever achieved at a World Cup.

Norway's path has not been straightforward. In the years following France 98, there were moments when it seemed the nation might never return to the tournament at all. Failed qualification campaigns tested the patience of supporters and raised difficult questions about the direction of Norwegian football.

Yet the country persisted, rebuilt, and ultimately produced a generation capable of competing on the world stage. Their return to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has already delivered a historic moment: Norway claimed a World Cup knockout-stage victory for the first time in their history to advance to the last 16.

Brazil stand in the way

Standing between Norway and a maiden quarter-final berth is none other than Brazil — the very same opponent they stunned back in 1998. The match represents a compelling storyline, as Norway attempt to repeat that famous group-stage upset on an even bigger occasion.

Brazil are among the tournament favourites and will pose an enormous challenge, but Norway's supporters will dare to dream. If their side can once again find a way past the South American giants, it would complete one of the most remarkable stories at any World Cup in recent memory.