Norway coach Ståle Solbakken says his team has already made history at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, but the chance to write an even greater chapter will arise in their round-of-16 clash against Brazil at the New York New Jersey Stadium on the evening of Sunday 5 July. Kick-off is at 10pm CAT.
FORM AND TEAM NEWS
Norway came home in second place in group I, with wins over Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2) followed by a 1-4 defeat at the hands of France – in which the Scandinavian side made 10 changes to keep key players fresh.
That team selection paid dividends in a round of 16 against the Ivory Coast last Tuesday, as the Vikings claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win. Antonio Nusa’s superb opening strike for Norway was cancelled out by Amad Diallo, but Erling Haaland netted late on – his fifth goal of the tournament – to seal a first World Cup knockout stage win for his nation.
Norway’s only notable injury concern is Julian Ryerson, who missed the match against the Ivory Coast with a thigh issue. Key attacking trio Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth will all be fit to start.
Brazil, after topping group D with a draw against Morocco (1-1) and wins over Haiti (3-0) and Scotland (3-0) were made to sweat for a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Japan in a round-of-32 clash in Houston last Monday.
A Seleção trailed at halftime to Kaishu Sano’s fine strike, but a thumping header from veteran midfielder Casemiro drew them level before substitute Gabriel Martinelli scored an injury-time winner to send Carlo Ancelotti’s men through to the second knockout round.
Brazil will be without midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who suffered a thigh injury that may well rule him out of the rest of the tournament, while Casemiro is nursing a knock picked up against Japan, but is expected to be fit to start. Winger Raphinha may also be available after missing the matches with Scotland and Japan.
WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti
“No one is perfect, but you can handle how to get out of mistakes, how to think, look ahead. The team did very well in the second half. No one thought that this team wouldn't score.”
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken
“You win a match in the KO phase of a top tournament against a major team – historians are better at ranking this than I am. But it's the first time Norway has won a KO game, and that is a historic performance for us.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brazil – Bruno Guimaraes
The Newcastle United midfielder was excellent against Japan, putting in a tireless performance in which he was equally effective in both defensive and attacking phases of the game – most notably providing the assist for Martinelli’s injury-time winner.
Norway – Erling Haaland
If Norway can give Haaland half-decent service, then they will have a chance of upsetting Brazil in New Jersey. The Manchester City striker will look forward to his personal duel with Arsenal centre-back Gabriel.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Brazil and Norway have met in four previous matches, with the Vikings boasting an unbeaten record (two wins, two draws). The European team’s most famous win over A Seleção was in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup, while their most recent meeting was a friendly in August 2006 in Ullevaal, which ended 1-1 after goals from Morten Gamst Pedersen and Daniel Carvalho.
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