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The Viking feud continues at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it is superstar Erling Haaland who every Norwegian can thank for that after another masterful performance on Sunday against Brazil.
Norway advances to its first World Cup quarter-final after Haaland scored twice in a 2-1 win over Brazil, which returns home sooner than they probably expected.
But this tournament has shown that Haaland, no matter how many touches he puts on the ball, is like Thanos: it’s inevitable.
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Norway’s Erling Haaland celebrates with teammates Andreas Schjelderup and David Moller Wolfe after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 5, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
Norway, which had prime opportunities throughout the match, as did Brazil, including a key early penalty, found another in the box when a short cross crossed the goal. The Brazilian defense lost track of Haaland for a split second, and that was all the 6-foot-5 Norwegian needed to jump and head the ball past goalkeeper Allison for the go-ahead goal.
It was the 79th minute of the game and it seemed like it was finally the decisive point in a back and forth fight between these two countries.
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Both goalkeepers, including the Norwegian Ørjan Nyland, had a tremendous game. But Nyland’s save on a penalty taken by Bruno Guimarães in the 14th minute changed the trajectory of this match.
Many wondered why Vini Jr., a superstar who scored four World Cup goals before this match, handed the ball to Guimarães to take the first penalty of his career with Brazil. And they were justified considering the result.
Brazil had other threats on Norway, including a dangerous cross from Gabriel Martinelli’s boot in the first half, but Nyland once again kept the door closed with a 0-0 draw.
David Moller Wolfe, Oscar Bobb, Andreas Schjelderup and Erling Haaland of Norway celebrate the opening goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York Stadium, New Jersey on July 5, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar)
Haaland’s breakthrough late in the second half turned Norway into a defensive-minded team, while Brazil, who had replaced Neymar Jr. to the delight of the sold-out crowd in New Jersey, were desperately trying to tie things up again.
But let Manchester City’s superstar striker find an opportunity and exploit it.
Haaland sealed Norway’s victory when he inched the ball with his left foot just outside the Brazil box and fired a low shot to the right side past Allison to make it 2-0 in the 90th minute. There was no pomp and circumstance from Haaland, although his teammates screamed and jumped on his back.
That’s what he does: score goals. He now has seven in this World Cup, tying him with France’s Kylian Mbappé and Argentina’s Lionel Messi as they compete for the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.
Brazil received another penalty kick shortly after Haaland’s second goal, which this time was taken by Neymar. After he and Nyland were seen gaping, Neymar buried the attempt, which was ultimately a consolation goal. He and Nyland exchanged words again, but Norway was the only one who was happy when the whistle blew in the New York/New Jersey stadium.
Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York Stadium, New Jersey on July 5, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
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This is Norway’s first World Cup in 28 years and they have done more than just represent their country well. They have defeated a five-time champion in Brazil to keep their title hopes alive, and Haaland continues to play a big role in making this happen for his team.
That’s why there was no other person to lead that Viking line in the stands after the match, as Haaland joyfully beat the drum to orchestrate one of the best celebrations this tournament has ever seen throughout a fantastic World Cup.
