One of the biggest shocks of the 2026 World Cup so far: Norway eliminated Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16, ending Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti's project, which had been brought in specifically to end the Seleção's 24-year wait for a world title. (Al Jazeera)
Haaland settles it in the closing minutes
The match stayed tight for long spells before Norwegian star Erling Haaland turned it on its head. He headed home a cross for the opener in the 79th minute, then added a powerful low finish from outside the box in the 90th minute, handing Norway a decisive lead that proved too much for Brazil to overturn. (ESPN)
Neymar's late effort wasn't enough
Neymar tried to rescue his side, converting a penalty in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time to pull one back, but there wasn't enough time left for Brazil to find an equaliser. The match ended 2-1 to Norway, a painful exit for the Seleção.
An early end to the Ancelotti project
Ancelotti's appointment came amid huge hopes of ending Brazil's title drought since their last World Cup win in 2002. The last-16 exit is a heavy blow to the project and raises serious questions about the Italian coach's future and philosophy with a national team whose fans have always expected nothing less than the best.
A historic achievement for Norway
For Norway, this is a landmark result — their first-ever World Cup quarter-final. The win crowns Haaland's standout tournament and places Norway among the genuine contenders for further surprises in the rounds ahead.
Norway will face the winner of Mexico vs England in the quarter-finals, a tie that will reveal whether the Vikings' run continues or ends there.
Follow Malaab Al-An for full round-of-16 and quarter-final coverage of the 2026 World Cup.