Norway have recorded one of the shocks of the tournament after knocking five-time champions Brazil out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A heroic goalkeeping display from Orjan Nyland and the devastating brilliance of Erling Haaland secured a 2-1 victory for the Scandinavian dark horses.
The victory in New Jersey secured Norway a place in the quarter-finals, their highest achievement at the World Cup.
Upset for the Ages
Brazil asserted their dominance early on and had a golden opportunity in the 13th minute. Kristoffer Ajer conceded a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Matheus Cunha which saw Bruno Guimarães step up.
Norway's 35-year-old veteran goalkeeper Orjan Nyland guessed the correct way to deny the midfielder. It was Brazil's first penalty miss at a World Cup in regulation time since 1986.
Nyland’s brilliance didn’t stop there, denying a ferocious effort from Vinícius Jr. before Norway made the breakthrough in the 79th minute.
It had to be Erling Haaland, the striker getting on the end of Andreas Schjelderup's cross and heading past Alisson Becker. Haaland doubled the advantage ten minutes later, firing a powerful drive into the bottom corner that gave Alisson no chance.
Neymar converted by a stoppage-time penalty in the 100th minute but it was too late, Norway booking their spot in the quarter-finals where they will face Mexico or England in Miami.
Rewriting History
Norway’s history at the World Cup is brief, qualifying only three times in 1938, 1994 and 1998. They famously beat Brazil 2-1 in 1998 when they fell in the Round of 16.
That was the pinnacle of Norwegian football for nearly three decades. By repeating the victory over the South American side, the class of 2026 have gone further than any Norwegian team before them.
Justifiably described as a Golden Generation, they have proved they belong on the world's biggest stage.
Path to the Final and Odds
Norway’s historic triumph has completely blown their side of the bracket wide open. Norway will face co-hosts Mexico or England in the quarter-finals, another highly anticipated blockbuster.
Should they navigate that test, a semi-final matchup against defending champions Argentina is a strong possibility with Egypt, Switzerland and Colombia the other possible opponents.
Before the tournament began, bookmakers kept Norway safe at odds of around 30/1 to win the World Cup. Following the elimination of Brazil, those odds have been cut in half.
2026 World Cup Winner Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| France |
2.75 |
| Argentina |
5.50 |
| Spain |
7.00 |
| England |
10.00 |
| Portugal |
13.00 |
| Norway |
15.00 |
| Colombia |
26.00 |
| Mexico |
19.00 |
| Morocco |
29.00 |
| USA |
34.00 |
| Belgium |
51.00 |
| Switzerland |
81.00 |
| Egypt |
301.00 |
Source: Stake.com with odds correct on 5 July 2026