Norway had an early goal ruled out for offside as their World Cup last 16 match against Brazil stayed level at 0-0 heading into halftime.
What Happened Early In The Match
Norway striker Sander Berge saw an early effort chalked off for offside in the opening minutes at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The goal would have given Norway a shock lead over tournament favorites Brazil. Play continued with both sides searching for the breakthrough. According to a fascinating first half ended goalless in New Jersey, with the last-16 clash starting when Berge had a goal chalked off for offside, before Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha and conceded a penalty, according to ESPN. ESPN
Brazil’s Penalty Chance Goes To Waste
Brazil earned a penalty kick after a video review confirmed a foul inside the box. Bruno Guimaraes stepped up to take the spot kick but could not convert it. Taking his first penalty for the national team, Guimaraes saw a tame effort saved by Nyland, who also denied Norway’s opponents on two other occasions as Brazil grew into the game, per ESPN. The miss kept the scoreline level and gave Norway a lifeline in the contest. ESPN
Haaland’s Role In The Game
Erling Haaland started the match for Norway alongside Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa in attack. The Manchester City striker worked to create chances but faced tight marking from Brazil’s defense. Norway came back into the game after being forced to defend for long stretches, with Odegaard’s low shot going just wide before Nusa’s cross was flicked toward goal by Haaland, though Alisson saved easily, according to NBC Sports. Haaland entered the tournament as one of its top scorers heading into the knockout rounds. NBC Sports
Brazil’s Attacking Pressure
Brazil created more chances than Norway during the opening period despite holding less possession. The Selecao carved out more chances despite having just a 35 percent share of the ball, with their expected goals standing at 1.06 compared to Norway’s 0.35, as reported by ESPN. Vinicius Junior and Odegaard both had shots saved as the match stayed tense. ESPN
Match Background And Lineups
Both teams arrived at this stage after dramatic wins in the previous round. Brazil won in the last seconds of their round of 32 match against Japan, while Norway advanced by winning 2-1 against Ivory Coast. Norway had played Brazil four previous times, winning twice and drawing the other two, without ever losing to them. Brazil lined up with Alisson Becker in goal, a back four of Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Douglas Santos, and an attack featuring Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha, while Norway started Orjan Nyland in goal behind Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, and Moller Wolfe, with Haaland leading the attack alongside Odegaard and Nusa, according to CBS Sports. Brazil vs. Norway live score updates: 2026 World Cup match highlights, news and more – CBS Sports +2
Historical Context Between The Two Nations
Norway has never lost to Brazil in their previous meetings, a fact that added extra weight to this last 16 clash. The Norwegians have never lost to the Selecao, with two wins and two draws from their four previous meetings. This history stretches back to their famous encounter at a past World Cup. Norway could take inspiration from their 1998 World Cup side, which famously beat Brazil 2-1 in a group stage game. Yahoo SportsAl Jazeera
Why This Match Matters
The winner of this match advances to the quarterfinal stage of the tournament. The winner of this match would face the winner of the match between Mexico and England, played later the same day. For Norway, reaching the quarterfinals would mark new territory for the national team. Norway had never advanced beyond the Round of 16 in their tournament history, with previous campaigns ending in defeat against Italy at this same stage. CBSSports.comYahoo Sports
For full match commentary and updates, ESPN and CBS Sports provided live coverage of the game as it unfolded.
