Haaland's brace fires Norway past Brazil into World Cup quarterfinals

Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16 on Sunday to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time. Brazil dominated long stretches of the match but failed to capitalize on its chances before Manchester City striker Haaland struck twice late, with Neymar's stoppage-time penalty arriving too late to rescue the Selecao.

Brazil was handed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 13th minute after Kristoffer Ajer brought down Matheus Cunha in the penalty area. Bruno Guimaraes stepped up instead of Neymar, but Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland guessed correctly and pushed away and saved to keep the score level. Brazil continued to create the better openings before the break but could not find a way through.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken made a change after the break as he introduced Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb on the wings. The changes injected fresh energy into the Vikings' attack, allowing the Scandinavian side to spend more time in Brazil's half after surviving sustained pressure for much of the contest.

Norway finally made the breakthrough in the 79th minute when Schjelderup curled a cross into the box and Haaland rose above the Brazilian defense to head home. Eleven minutes later, Schjelderup again found the in-form striker, who rifled a powerful shot into the net from distance to double Norway's advantage and leave Brazil on the brink of elimination.

Brazil pulled a goal back 10 minutes into stoppage time after winning another penalty, and their all-time top scorer Neymar converted from the spot. However, there was not enough time left to mount a comeback as Norway held firm to complete one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

The victory sent Norway into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, while Brazil failed to reach the last eight for the first time since the 1990 tournament. Haaland's two-goal display also lifted his tally to seven at the tournament.

In the other clash of the day, England beat Mexico 3-2 to reach the quarterfinals after surviving a relentless fightback from the co-host despite playing more than half an hour with 10 men. Jude Bellingham scored twice before Harry Kane added the winner from the penalty spot as Thomas Tuchel's side held on under intense late pressure.

Bellingham gave England the lead in the 32nd minute, diving to head home Bukayo Saka's cross. Two minutes later, the Real Madrid midfielder struck again, arriving in the box to finish another attack down the right and stun the home crowd with England 2-0 ahead.

Mexico responded before halftime when Julian Quinones volleyed into the net after the Three Lions failed to deal with a free kick, cutting the deficit to one. The momentum swung further in the hosts' favor after the interval when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a reckless challenge, leaving England to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

England regained breathing room on the hour mark after Anthony Gordon was fouled inside the penalty area. Kane calmly converted the spot kick to restore the visitors' two-goal advantage, but Mexico refused to go away and continued to press forward.

The host was awarded a penalty after a VAR review ruled that Kane had handled the ball while attempting a clearance. Veteran striker Raul Jimenez converted from the spot to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finish as Mexico searched for an equalizer.

Thomas Tuchel's side absorbed sustained pressure through the closing stages to book a quarterfinal meeting with Norway. The victory also ended Mexico's unbeaten World Cup record at the Estadio Azteca.