World Cup preview: Talking points as Brazil and Norway battle for quarter-final spot
By Joel Masibo, July 5, 2026Brazil and Norway are set to clash in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at New York New Jersey Stadium, with a place in the last eight at stake. The meeting comes nearly three decades after the nations last faced each other on football’s biggest stage.
Brazil progressed after fighting back from behind to defeat Japan 2-1, while Norway also claimed a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast thanks to a dramatic late winner from Erling Haaland.
Match preview
Brazil head into the knockout tie hoping to end a long-standing winless streak against Norway. The South American giants have never defeated the Scandinavian side in four previous meetings.
Their most memorable encounter came during the 1998 World Cup when Brazil surrendered a one-goal advantage and suffered a 2-1 defeat. Although Brazil had already secured top spot in their group before that match, the result remains one of Norway’s greatest football achievements. The teams later shared a 1-1 draw in an international friendly in 2006.
That history adds extra motivation for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, who narrowly avoided disappointment in the previous round. Brazil looked in trouble after Kaishu Sano handed Japan the lead midway through the opening half.
Ancelotti responded by making an attacking tactical adjustment after introducing Endrick, switching to a more offensive formation. The gamble paid off as Casemiro restored parity with a headed goal before Gabriel Martinelli struck deep into stoppage time to complete a dramatic comeback.
Despite lifting their fifth World Cup trophy in 2002, Brazil have endured mixed fortunes in subsequent tournaments. They have reached the quarter-finals on two occasions but have also suffered painful eliminations, including their unforgettable 2014 campaign on home soil.
Now, the Selecao are determined to avoid another early exit as they chase a return to the latter stages of the competition.
Norway, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after an impressive tournament. Most members of the current squad were not even born when Norway stunned Brazil at the 1998 World Cup, although veteran goalkeeper Orjan Nyland is among the few with memories of that famous victory.
The Scandinavian side believe this Brazil team is less intimidating than previous generations, giving them confidence that another upset is possible.
Stale Solbakken’s men have adopted an adventurous style throughout the tournament, scoring in every match while also conceding in each outing. Their only defeat came in the group stage against France, when a heavily rotated lineup lost 4-1 after qualification had already been secured.
With their strongest team expected to return, Norway will fancy their chances of knocking out one of the tournament favourites.
Brazil’s team news
Brazil remain without Raphinha, who, however, returned to team training, while Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro are both fitness concerns after picking up issues during the victory over Japan.
Casemiro is still expected to feature, but Paqueta could make way for Danilo Santos in midfield.
Matheus Cunha, who has already scored three goals at the tournament, is likely to continue leading the attack despite being substituted against Japan. Gabriel Martinelli may once again begin on the bench after his winning goal.
Ancelotti is expected to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation instead of deploying Endrick from the start.
Vinicius Junior has been one of Brazil’s standout performers, contributing four goals and one assist so far, and will again be central to their attacking ambitions.
Norway’s team news
Defender Julian Ryerson has missed Norway’s last two matches after suffering a thigh injury against Senegal. However, he is reportedly closing in on a return and could be available.
Haaland has enjoyed a sensational debut World Cup, scoring five goals, leaving him just one behind tournament leaders Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Half of Norway’s 10 goals have come from the Manchester City striker.
Captain Martin Odegaard has also played a vital creative role, supplying three assists, while Patrick Berg has added two as Norway continue to create opportunities for their prolific front line.
Possible starting lineups
Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior.
Norway: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.