Brazil’s quest for a sixth FIFA World Cup title came to an end on Sunday as Erling Haaland scored twice to fire Norway to a shock 2-1 Round of 16 victory, a defeat that also brought the curtain down on Neymar’s international career.
Shortly after the final whistle, Neymar confirmed he was retiring from playing for Brazil, ending a career that saw him become the country’s all-time leading scorer and feature at four FIFA World Cups.
Brazil had the perfect chance to take control of the contest in the first half, but Bruno Guimarães failed to convert from the penalty spot after his effort was saved by goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
The miss proved costly. Guimarães became the first Brazilian player to miss a penalty in normal or extra time at a World Cup since Zico’s miss against France at the 1986 tournament, excluding penalty shootouts.
Despite seeing more of the ball, Brazil found it difficult to break down a disciplined Norwegian defence. Vinícius Júnior, Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha all had opportunities but could not find the breakthrough.
Norway’s patience was rewarded in the 79th minute when Andreas Schjelderup whipped in a cross and Haaland climbed above his marker to head past Alisson for the opening goal.
The Norwegian striker struck again 10 minutes later after Schjelderup slipped him through on goal. Haaland kept his composure before drilling a low finish beyond the Brazilian goalkeeper to put the result beyond doubt.
The brace took Haaland’s tally to seven goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing him level with and at the top of the scoring chart, with Norway’s quarter-final place giving him another chance to move clear in the race for the Golden Boot.
Brazil pulled one back in the 90+10th minute after a VAR review awarded a late penalty, which Neymar converted, but there was no way back for the five-time world champions.
Norway held on to seal one of the biggest results in the country’s football history and book their place in the quarter-finals, while Brazil were left to reflect on another World Cup campaign that ended far earlier than they had hoped.
