Erling Haaland’s heroics propel Norway to stunning upset of Brazil as World Cup run reaches quarterfinals

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Erling Haaland’s heroics propel Norway to stunning upset of Brazil as World Cup run reaches quarterfinals

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Norwegian players celebrate scoring a goal against Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match, Image 2 shows Norway forward Erling Haaland (9) in a red jersey scoring a header against a Brazil player in a yellow jersey, Image 3 shows Brazil's Neymar and Raphinha look dejected after being eliminated from the World Cup

Howie Kussoy

Sun, Jul 5, 2026 ·

4 min read

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The Norwegians were outnumbered — in a building filled with an ocean of yellow and puddles of red, against a nation with 200 million more citizens and a record five World Cup titles, which had made eight consecutive quarterfinal appearances on the sport's grandest stage.

But Norway has the man who could take over the world.

The Vikings will march on in their first World Cup appearance in 28 years after Erling Haaland 's 79th-minute header and 90th-minute blast delivered his country its greatest victory, sending the Norwegians on their first trip to the quarterfinals after a 2-1 upset of Brazil on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Haaland, who has seven goals in four games in the World Cup, is now even with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. Haaland has produced 27 goals during a 14-game scoring streak for Norway, which will face the winner of England-Mexico in Miami on July 11.

Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, on July 05, 2026. Anadolu via Getty Images

"I have peaked a few times during this tournament, but every time there is a new peak," Haaland said. "If I receive one or two chances, they usually end up in a goal. I don't really know what I do. This is just the way I am. It's all about staying focused, and when the chance comes, I know exactly what to do."

Norway entered as an underdog but a sentimental favorite, having grown its fanbase during a weekslong odyssey where its fans have provided one of the most delightful and defining images of this World Cup via the "Viking Row" — featuring imaginary oars, infectious chants and thumping drums — which has taken over Times Square, Citi Field and the 7 train.

Before this year, Norway had failed to qualify for the previous six World Cups — and missed all but one from 1930 to 1990 — but entered undefeated in international play against Brazil, including a stunning upset in the group stage in 1998.

Brazil, which suffered its earliest World Cup elimination since 1990, had numerous chances to seize control of the match, but Bruno Guimarães failed to convert an early penalty kick and Endrick pushed a breakaway chance wide in the 59th minute.

"Everyone is profoundly disappointed," Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said. "We saw some chances and then the tide turned."

It was not by chance, but by force, generated by a 6-foot-5 wrecking ball who ascended in the most important moment of his career.

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After breaking a scoreless tie on a cross from Andreas Schjelderup , Haaland — who also scored twice against Senegal at MetLife Stadium — delivered his second goal from 20 yards out, prompting countless Brazilians to exit early, while leaving a star-studded crowd — featuring Jalen Brunson, Jay-Z, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Chris Rock, Woody Harrelson and Breanna Stewart — speechless.

Neymar cut the deficit with a penalty kick in stoppage time, but the Brazilian legend left his final World Cup in tears, amid the celebration of the Norwegians, who performed the "Viking Row" with their fans. Haaland grabbed the mallets, banging the drum, as his countrymen and women shouted and laughed, posing for pictures on a day that was already framed in their minds.

Brazil's Neymar and Raphinha look dejected after the match as Brazil are eliminated from the World Cup. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters

Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland (1) celebrates blocking a penalty kick against Brazil during first half World Cup action at NY,NJ Stadium, Sunday, July 5, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

"I think that the whole nation is rowing together," said Norway manager Ståle Solbakken. "We are having a real party here."

Most of the Brazilian fans stayed to watch the celebration. Many stood and applauded. Some even smiled.

The best man won.

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