Erling Haaland scores twice to send Norway past Brazil at the World Cup

The Viking streak continues at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it is superstar Erling Haaland that every Norwegian can thank after another masterful performance on Sunday against Brazil.

Norway are through to their first ever World Cup quarter-final after Haaland scored twice in a 2-1 win over Brazil, who go home earlier than they probably expected.

But this tournament has proven that Haaland, no matter how many touches he gets on the ball, is like Thanos: he is unavoidable.

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Norway, who had Grade-A chances throughout the game, as did Brazil including a central penalty very early on, found another in the box when a short cross came across the face of goal. The Brazilian defense lost track of Haaland for a split second, and that was all it took for the 6-foot-5 Norwegian to leap and head the ball past goalkeeper Allison for the go-ahead goal.

It was the 79th minute of the game and it felt like it was finally decisive in a back-and-forth game between these two countries.

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Both goalkeepers, including Norway’s Ørjan Nyland, had a terrific game. But Nyland’s save from a penalty by Bruno Guimarães in the 14th minute changed the course of this game.

Many wondered why Vini Jr., a superstar who had four goals in the World Cup before this game, gave the ball to Guimarães to take his first career penalty for Brazil. And they were justified considering the result.

Brazil had other threats against Norway, including a dangerous cross from Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, but Nyland again kept the door shut with a 0-0 draw.

David Møller Wolfe, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup and Erling Haaland of Norway celebrate the opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 5, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar)

Haaland’s breakthrough late in the second half turned Norway into a defensive-minded squad, while Brazil, who had signed Neymar Jr. to the delight of the sold-out crowd in New Jersey, desperately tried to tie things back up.

But leave it to Manchester City’s superstar striker to find an opening and exploit it.

Haaland sealed victory for Norway when he inched the ball forward with his left foot just outside Brazil’s box and fired a low shot to the right past the sprawling Allison to make it 2-0 in the 90th minute. There was no pomp and pageantry from Haaland, even as his teammates screamed and jumped on his back.

That’s what he does – score goals. He now has seven at this World Cup, bringing him alongside France’s Kylian Mbappé and Argentina’s Lionel Messi as they battle it out for the Golden Boot Award as the tournament’s top scorer.

Brazil were awarded another penalty shortly after Haaland’s second goal, which Neymar took this time. After he and Nyland were seen jawing back and forth, Neymar buried the effort, which ended up being a consolation goal. He and Nyland again exchanged words, but Norway were the only ones to rejoice when the whistle blew at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 5, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

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This is Norway’s first World Cup in 28 years and they have done more than just represent their country well. They have beaten five-time champions Brazil to keep their title hopes alive and Haaland continues to play a big part in making that happen for his side.

That’s why there was no other person to lead the Viking line in the stands after the game as Haaland merrily beat the drum to orchestrate one of the best celebrations this tournament has seen throughout a fantastic World Cup.