The last time Norway shocked Brazil was back in the 1998 FIFA World Cup when they completed a 1-2 comeback win, and since then they’ve remained unbeaten against them in subsequent meetings.
It's World Cup 2026 last-16 action on Sunday, July 5, as Norway travels to New Jersey to face a Brazil side that has never defeated this weekend's opponents in four previous encounters.
Seleção boss Carlo Ancelotti will be aiming to refocus his team after a tense match against Japan while the Vikings look to pull off another upset against the South Americans to continue their fairytale journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Team Form
Brazil: Unbeaten in the tournament so far, securing three consecutive victories after an opening-match draw.
Norway: Won every tournament matchup except for a group-stage defeat against pre-tournament favorites France.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
The last meeting between Brazil and Norway was a friendly in 2006, and it ended in a 1-1 draw.
Brazil has failed to win against Norway in any of their four previous encounters.
Norway has scored and conceded in every single match since making their return to the tournament.
Erling Haaland has been clinical on his debut, netting five goals for the European side.
What to Expect From Both Teams
Brazil | World Cup Form: DWWW:
Carlo Ancelotti's side enters this clash with immense confidence, looking to overcome their historic winless record against this weekend's opponents.
With a squad featuring seasoned veterans like Marquinhos and clinical finishers like Vinicius Junior, they provide a stern test for any opponent.
Having effectively used a tactical switch to overcome Japan, the technical bench is prioritising maintaining their attacking rhythm in New Jersey.
Norway | World Cup Form: WWLW:
Stale Solbakken's men are looking to build on their dynamic momentum after a late 2-1 turnaround victory against Ivory Coast.
Despite the injury concerns surrounding defender Julian Ryerson, the Vikings still boast world-class heads like Martin Odegaard and Patrick Berg.
With a significantly stronger selection returning to the side, exploiting defensive flaws to claim another heavyweight scalp is their main strategy.
Predicted Lineups
Brazil (possible):
Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos, Guimarães, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Rayan, Cunha, Vini Jr.
Norway (possible):
Nyland, Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe, Odegaard, Berge, Berg, Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Vini Jr: The Real Madrid winger is going to be heavily involved in anything good that Brazil does, as has been the case in the tournament so far.
Gabriel Magalhaes: A vital cog in the Brazil defensive line who will be tasked with disrupting Norway's clinical central striker, Haaland.
Martin Ødegaard: Arrives in great form, having provided three tournament assists, posing a constant threat as a creative facilitator.
Erling Haaland: The clinical forward will be expected to lead the line and add to his five goals.
Odds Market on MSport
Brazil/Home to win = 1.89
Norway/Away to win = 4.37
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.68
Over 2.5 total goals = 1.74
This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a vaunted South American favorite faces a Norway team eager to exploit defensive flaws.
With both teams using this as a vital step to reach the final eight, MetLife Stadium is set for a compelling international night.
