A stoppage-time strike from Martinelli rescued a 2-1 win over Japan, Brazil's first knockout comeback at a World Cup since they beat England in 2002. It followed comfortable wins over Haiti and Scotland either side of a draw with Morocco.
Norway's story is even more remarkable. Back at the World Cup for the first time in almost three decades, Ståle Solbakken's side have already gone further than any previous Norwegian squad, banking their first-ever win in a World Cup knockout match courtesy of a dramatic late turnaround against Ivory Coast. Antonio Nusa's curling opener was cancelled out before Erling Haaland struck in the 86th minute to send Norway through to a last-16 meeting few would have predicted.
The Haaland–Gabriel subplot
Beyond the occasion itself, this tie carries a smaller, fiercer story: the ongoing feud between Erling Haaland and Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes. The pair have clashed repeatedly since Haaland's move to City, with incidents ranging from a thrown ball to an unpunished head-butt colouring what has become one of the Premier League's most heated individual battles. Haaland has largely prevailed against Gabriel, whose antics have led to most City fans regarding him as a 'massive ****house'. Norway and Brazil now provide the stage for that rivalry to spill onto the international game.
Haaland has been in imperious form throughout the tournament, becoming the first Norwegian to score in three straight World Cup matches and reaching 60 international goals faster than any player in history. Yet he has been notably cautious about Norway's chances against Brazil, describing them publicly as slim. History offers a counterpoint: Norway have never lost to Brazil, with two wins and two draws from four previous meetings, including a famous 1998 group-stage victory.
For Brazil, the challenge is balancing considerable individual quality with a defensive record that has looked shaky at times. Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha said the squad had devoted significant preparation time to nullifying Norway's aerial and physical threat, while cautioning that the plan cannot begin and end with marking Haaland alone.
Neymar's involvement remains uncertain after a limited role at the tournament so far, while fitness levels across both squads are being managed carefully after a long, congested season for the majority of the Premier League contingent on show.
The likely shape of the game
Expect a cagey opening as both sides look to control tempo through midfield, where Brazil's technical edge via Guimarães and Paquetá will be tested against Norway's willingness to sit deep and break with pace. Ødegaard's service into Haaland is the single most dangerous route to goal for either side, and how Gabriel copes with that battle — physically and mentally — may prove decisive.
Norway have never been afraid of this fixture, and Solbakken, who played in Norway's last competitive win over Brazil, has stressed his side intend to compete for the result rather than simply enjoy the occasion. Brazil remain favourites on quality alone, but a knockout tie shaped by one outstanding individual duel has the makings of a genuine upset.
Kick-off: Sunday, 5 July 2026, 21:00 BST — New York/New Jersey Stadium
Team news
Norway (4-3-3, projected): Nyland; Gregersen, Østigård, Hanche-Olsen, Meling; Berge, Ødegaard, Aursnes; Nusa, Haaland, Elyounoussi.
Brazil (4-2-3-1, projected): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Arana; Casemiro, Guimarães; Rodrygo, Paquetá, Vinícius Jr; Martinelli.