Prediction: Brazil vs Norway — MetLife showdown for ticket to World Cup 2026 quarterfinals
Brazil and Norway will meet at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday for a place in the quarterfinals of the World Cup 2026. Brazil has yet to taste a win against Norway, while Erling Haaland lifted the Vikings to the knockout stage.
Twenty-eight years since they last met at the World Cup, Brazil and Norway will face off at MetLife Stadium on Sunday for a ticket to the quarterfinals of the World Cup 2026. The match carries a special weight: Brazil has not won against Norway in four meetings, including a 2-1 defeat by the Seleção in Marseille in 1998 and a 1-1 draw in a friendly in 2006.
Brazil came off a dramatic reversal, beating Japan, 2-1, in the round of 32. Carlo Ancelotti put his team in a more aggressive formation after Kaishu Sano's opening goal, brought on Endrick, and the change paid off immediately: Casemiro hit the air for the equalizer before Gabriel Martinelli grabbed the winner in extra time. It continued Brazil's rise after a slow start—a draw with Morocco, followed by wins against Haiti and Scotland before victory in Japan.
In the face of history going against them, the confidence of the five-time champions is still high. Vinícius Júnior was the main threat with four goals and one assist in the tournament, while the Seleção's attacking combination shone brighter as the competition deepened.
Team news — Brazil
- There are doubts about the health of some: Raphinha is still out, while Lucas Paquetá and Casemiro are being monitored after problems against Japan.
- Casemiro is expected to play; Paquetá may be replaced by Danilo Santos if he does not reach 100%.
- Matheus Cunha will probably stay in the starting XI, while Endrick will be used again as an impact sub from the bench.
Meanwhile, Norway has embraced a fearless approach since returning to the World Cup—and it took them to the knockout rounds for the first time in nearly three decades. The Vikings scored a goal in every game they played in the tournament. Even if there is still a gap in the defense, their firepower makes up for it.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://www.soccernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/brazil-wc2026-1.jpg" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Erling Haaland is warming up in his first World Cup: he has five goals—half of Norway's total output in North America—including a late winner against Ivory Coast to seal progress. Although they suffered a heavy loss to France at the end of the group stage, their line was heavily rotated because they had already passed. Outside of that result, Ståle Solbakken's team won all their other games.
Team news — Norway
- Positive news on defense: Julian Ryerson is close to returning from a thigh injury and could be used in any capacity.
- Norway's issues are few and far between coming into this match.
- Behind Haaland, the creation of Martin Ødegaard and Patrick Berg shines with five combined assists in the tournament. Norway remain dangerous with quick transitions and direct attacks—exact weapons that can test Brazil's defense.
Things to watch out for
- Brazil are yet to win against Norway in four previous meetings.
- Vinícius Júnior made five direct contributions (4 goals, 1 assist) in the tournament.
- Norway have scored in every game they played in the 2026 World Cup.
- Erling Haaland has five goals—50% of Norway's total.
- Brazil have fitness concerns with Lucas Paquetá and Casemiro.
- Norway's counter-attacking can serve Brazil's weakness in defense against quick and physical attacks.
Prediction Expect open fighting and chances at both ends. Brazil has a deeper talent pool, experience, and confidence, while Norway brings the direct attack and presence of Haaland who is always a threat on the break. In the end, the quality and momentum of Ancelotti's team is expected to prevail.
Prediction: Brazil to win.
