Haaland double sends Norway to historic World Cup quarter-final, Brazil eliminated

Norway pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 World Cup on Saturday, knocking five-time champions Brazil out of the tournament with a stunning 2-1 victory at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Erling Haaland was the hero once again, scoring twice in the first half to send the Scandinavian nation into the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. The Manchester City striker opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a clinical finish after being slid through by Martin Ødegaard, then doubled the lead just before the break with a powerful header from a corner. Brazil, who had topped their group with ease, struggled to break down a disciplined Norwegian defence marshalled by Kristoffer Ajer. They pulled one back through a Vinícius Júnior strike in the 68th minute, but Norway held firm in a tense final 20 minutes to secure a famous win. For Norway, this is uncharted territory. A nation that has never progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup now finds itself in the last eight, with Haaland leading the charge. For Brazil, it is a devastating early exit – their earliest since 1990 – and raises serious questions about their preparations under head coach Dorival Júnior. Norway will now face either Argentina or Germany in the quarter-finals, with the entire country daring to dream.