Brazil’s long wait for a sixth World Cup title will now extend to 28 years, as the Selecao were knocked out of the 2026 tournament by Norway on Saturday. A late brace from Erling Haaland sealed a 2-1 victory for the Scandinavians, who capitalised on Bruno Guimaraes’ early penalty miss to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
The South Americans survived a scare early on when Patrick Berg’s goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up. Brazil looked set to make the most of that reprieve when Matheus Cunha was brought down inside the Norway box, only for Guimaraes’ weak penalty to be saved by Orjan Nyland.
From that moment, Norway took control of possession, though Carlo Ancelotti’s men remained dangerous on the counter. Vinicius Junior nearly opened the scoring before half-time after winning the ball high up the pitch and forcing Nyland into a save. At the other end, Alisson Becker did well to deny Martin Odegaard from close range.
Endrick was introduced early in the second half as Brazil chased the opener, but the teenage striker squandered a golden opportunity moments later when he failed to control Vinicius’ through ball and poked his effort wide.
Neymar also entered the fray, yet Norway continued to press forward. After Andreas Schjelderup forced Alisson into a stop, the Benfica winger delivered a pinpoint cross from the left that Haaland expertly headed home for his sixth goal of the tournament.
Nyland then produced a stunning save to prevent an own goal, tipping a looping ball onto the post. In the dying minutes, Haaland struck again with a low drive from the edge of the box to make it 2-0. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty after Casemiro was fouled, but the comeback came too late for Brazil.
Here’s how Brazil’s players fared in New Jersey:
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson Becker (6/10): Quick off his line to smother Odegaard’s first-half attempt and generally handled Norway’s deliveries well. Had no chance with either of Haaland’s goals.
Danilo (3/10): Despite all his experience, looked overwhelmed at times. Struggled against both Nusa and Schjelderup, and several of his passes and touches went astray. Failed to close down Haaland for the second goal.
Marquinhos (6/10): With Haaland focusing mainly on Gabriel, Marquinhos had a quieter outing, winning several key headers from set-pieces.
Gabriel Magalhaes (5/10): Lost some of his duels against Haaland but generally held firm until he was outjumped for Norway’s opener.
Douglas Santos (6/10): A steady presence at left-back, defended diligently and supported Vinicius effectively down the flank.
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes (4/10): Produced a few neat passes, particularly in the move that led to the penalty, but his woeful spot-kick proved incredibly costly.
Casemiro (5/10): Was overrun on a few occasions by Norway’s energetic midfielders, though he distributed the ball calmly in possession. Could have had an assist for Martinelli late in the first half, but the forward missed the cross.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10): Combined well with Vinicius on the left side as he drifted in from his central role. Replaced by Neymar midway through the second half.
Attack
Rayan (5/10): Worked tirelessly off the ball but lacked cutting edge in attack. Taken off midway through the second half.
Matheus Cunha (5/10): Did well to win the first penalty ahead of Ajer, but otherwise offered little in terms of end product. Substituted for Endrick before the hour mark.
Vinicius Junior (8/10): Maintained his sparkling form from earlier in the tournament, repeatedly beating defenders and creating chances for himself and teammates.
Substitutes & Manager
Endrick (4/10): Missed a major chance with his very first touch and later conceded possession in the build-up to Norway’s opener.
Neymar (5/10): Attempted a solo dribble inside the box but otherwise made little impact. Was booked and scored a late penalty in what could be his final outing for Brazil.
Danilo Santos (5/10): Offered little after coming on for Martinelli midway through the second half.
Ederson (5/10): Failed to provide the additional security Ancelotti would have hoped for in midfield.
Carlo Ancelotti (5/10): Opted for a conservative approach, allowing Norway control of possession, and ultimately paid the price. Still, poor finishing from his players also played a part in the defeat.
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