Martinelli earns starting spot for Brazil’s World Cup 2026 round of 16 clash with Norway

Brazil and Norway are set to open the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup tonight at the New York/New Jersey venue, with both managers confirming their XIs for the high-stakes Round of 16 encounter. Carlo Ancelotti, coming off a 2-1 group-stage win over Japan, has handed Gabriel Martinelli a start on the left side of midfield, trusting the Arsenal winger’s pace against Norway’s defensive block. For Norway, Ståle Solbakken keeps faith with Julian Ryerson at right-back after beating Ivory Coast 2-1 in the round robin. Erling Haaland leads the line alongside Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa. Confirmed lineups: Brazil: Alisson — Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos — Rayan, Guimarães, Casemiro, Martinelli — Cunha, Vinícius Jr. Subs: Weverton, Ederson, Alex Sandro, Bremer, Pereira, Ibañez, Ederson Lourenço, Fabinho, Danilo Oliveira, Neymar, Raphinha, Endrick, Luiz Henrique, Thiago. Norway: Nyland — Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Møller Wolfe — Ødegaard, Berge, Berg — Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa. Subs: Tangvik, Selvik, Østigård, Bjørkan, Langås, Falchener, Thorsby, Aursnes, Thorstvedt, Åsgård, Schjelderup, Bobb, Hauge, Strand Larsen. Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM ET. Follow live coverage on Football.ua.