Norway have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch so far, a total of 18 goals being scored in their four games. Brazil struggled defensively ahead of the tournament, so I will back BTTS here.
Key Stats
- Brazil have seen BTTS in 7 of their last 9 matches.
- Brazil have seen BTTS in their last 4 matches against Norway.
- Norway have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches.
- Martin Odeegard has 3 assists and 1 goal in his last 4 matches for Norway.
Norway Never Lost to Brazil
This is going to be the fifth time these two sides lock horns and Norway have a 2-0 advantage in terms of victories.
Brazil Failed to Impress so Far
Brazil were slightly outplayed in their World Cup 2026 opening match by Morocco, had lower xG and fewer shots but managed to get away with a 1-1 draw, Vinicius Junior scoring an equalizer.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side then stepped up and claimed back to back 3-0 victories against Haiti and Scotland to secure 1st place in Group C. All six goals in these two matches were scored by two players, Vini Jr and Matheus Cunha (three goals each).
Seleção were in big trouble in the Round of 32 against Japan, trailing at half-time. They found an equalizer in the 56th minute through Casemiro, while a 2-1 victory was secured deep in stoppage time by Gabriel Martinelli. It was a well-deserved win, ending the clash with 2.07-0.33 xG, 69% possession and 7-2 shots on target.
Norway Capable of Beating Any Team
Norway had a fantastic start to the tournament, claiming a spot in the playoffs after earning back to back victories against Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-2.
They looked great offensively in these matches, totaling 25 shots and posting around 5.00 xG, while Erling Haaland netted four goals.
Head coach Stale Solbakken decided to shuffle his lineup completely in the final round against France which they expectedly lost 4-1 and finished second.
Norway were tagged light favorites in the Round of 32 clash against Ivory Coast and ultimately got away with a 2-1 victory. Antonio Nusa scored wonderfol solo goal in the first half, then Haaland netted the winner just before stoppage time.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Brazil (4-3-3) Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Endrick; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior
Lucas Paqueta suffered a knee injury against Japan and most likely is ruled out for the tournament. Endrick is expected to take his place in the starting lineup. Neymar Jr is also doubtful.
Lucas Paqueta suffered a knee injury against Japan and most likely is ruled out for the tournament. Endrick is expected to take his place in the starting lineup. Neymar Jr is also doubtful.
Norway (4-3-3) Orjan Nyland; Marcus Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, David Moller Wolfe; Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg; Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa
Norway have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this match and I don't expect any changes to their lineup. Erling Haaland is having an amazing tournament so far, netting five goals, while the captain Martin Odegaard is at three assists.
Norway have no reported injuries or suspensions ahead of this match and I don't expect any changes to their lineup. Erling Haaland is having an amazing tournament so far, netting five goals, while the captain Martin Odegaard is at three assists.