Brazil vs Norway: The Hex That Haunts the Seleção Ahead of 2026 World Cup Round of 16

The 2026 World Cup knockout rounds are set, and one of the most intriguing matchups in the Round of 16 pits Brazil against Norway. The five-time world champions enter as heavy favorites, yet they carry an unusual burden: in four previous meetings across nearly four decades, Brazil has never beaten the Norwegians. The rivalry began with a friendly in Oslo on July 28, 1988, a 1-1 draw. Then came a stunning 4-2 defeat in another friendly in May 1997, a result that foreshadowed the most iconic meeting of all: the 1998 World Cup group stage at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. Brazil had already qualified for the knockout phase, but Norway needed a win to advance. Bebeto put Brazil ahead in the 78th minute, but the Scandinavians refused to fold. Tore André Flo equalized in the 83rd, and with just a minute left in regulation, Kjetil Rekdal calmly slotted home a penalty to seal a 2-1 victory — a result that sent Norway through and left Brazilian fans in disbelief. The most recent encounter came on August 15, 2006, a friendly that ended 1-1 in Oslo. That match marked Dunga's debut as Brazil head coach, and it extended the Norwegians' unbeaten streak against the Seleção to four matches: two wins and two draws. Now, under the bright lights of the 2026 World Cup knockout stage, Brazil has a chance to rewrite history. Norway, meanwhile, will lean on its trademark organization and resilience. Can the Seleção finally break the curse, or will the Vikings produce another upset? The answer comes soon.