Haaland’s late Double stuns Brazil as Norway reach first ever World Cup Quarter-Final
2026 World Cup Last-16, Sunday, July 2026, MIAMI
Erling Haaland dumped Brazil out of the World Cup in devastating fashion, scoring a brilliant late double to fire Norway to a historic 2-1 victory and a first-ever place in the quarter-finals.
The Manchester City striker delivered when it mattered most. With the game locked at 0-0 and Brazil pushing, Haaland rose highest in the 79th minute to tower above Arsenal defender Gabriel and power a header beyond Alisson. Just four minutes later he struck again, this time with a superb low drive from long range that arrowed into the corner and left the five-time world champions stunned.
Brazil had chances to take control earlier, but were punished for their wastefulness. Bruno Guimaraes had the best opportunity from the penalty spot in the first half, but his stuttered run-up was read perfectly by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who saved to keep the scores level.
The South Americans continued to press. Substitute Endrick should have scored soon after coming on but poked a one-on-one wide. Vinicius Jr also tested Nyland, who was in inspired form. The Norway keeper’s biggest moment came minutes after Haaland’s opener when he produced a sensational save to claw out a Kristoffer Ajer own goal and keep Norway ahead.
Brazil finally got a breakthrough in added time. Neymar, on for only his second appearance of the tournament, converted a late penalty to set up a frantic finish. But there was no way back for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The defeat marks another early exit for Brazil, who have now failed to reach the last eight in back-to-back World Cups. Ancelotti will have to answer questions over missed opportunities and a lack of cutting edge in front of goal, with Guimaraes’ missed penalty and Endrick’s late miss proving costly.
For Norway, it is uncharted territory. They have never before reached the last eight of a World Cup, and Haaland’s heroics ensured they will now face England in the quarter-finals after the Three Lions beat Mexico 3-2 earlier in the day.
Haaland finished with two goals and is now firmly in the Golden Boot race. More importantly, he carried a nation with him. Norway defended resolutely, relied on Nyland’s brilliance, and waited for their talisman to deliver the knockout blows.
Brazil leave the tournament reflecting on what might have been. Norway progress with history made and a quarter-final against England to look forward to
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