2026 World Cup: Haaland’s Norway Stun Brazil, England Survive Mexico Scare

Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Brazil paid a heavy price for Bruno Guimaraes’ first-half penalty miss before Haaland took centre stage in New Jersey.

The Manchester City forward had been largely kept quiet until the 79th minute, when he moved ahead of Gabriel to meet Andreas Schjelderup’s cross with a clinical finish that finally broke the deadlock.

Haaland wrapped up victory in style in the 90th minute, drilling a fierce low effort from outside the area beyond Alisson to seal one of the biggest results in Norway’s football history.

Brazil pulled one back deep into stoppage time after referee Ismail Elfath awarded a second penalty for Leo Ostigard’s challenge on Casemiro. Neymar converted, but it came too late to prevent Brazil crashing out before the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.

The brace moved Haaland onto seven goals in the race for the Golden Boot, level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.

Norway will now face England in the quarter-finals after Thomas Tuchel’s side produced an outstanding display to beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium.

Kick-off was delayed by an hour because of severe storms, but England quickly settled into their rhythm and took control before half-time.

Jude Bellingham stunned the home crowd with two goals in just 98 seconds, although Julian Quinones reduced the deficit shortly before the halftime break.

England faced a major setback early in the second half when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, leaving Tuchel’s side to play with 10 men.

Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal cushion from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was fouled by goalkeeper Raul Rangel.

Mexico refused to surrender. Kane then conceded a penalty after catching Brian Gutierrez, allowing Raul Jimenez to score and set up a tense finish.

Under relentless pressure, Tuchel introduced Dan Burn and Djed Spence before switching to a five-man defence. England held firm through 11 minutes of added time to secure a win and book a quarter-final showdown with Norway.