Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Brazil Face Norway's World Cup Hoodoo and Erling Haaland in Last-16 Tie

Norway's unbeaten record against Brazil creates a psychological edge that compounds Brazil's midfield uncertainty over Lucas Paqueta's hamstring.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Brazil Training - Columbia Park Training Facility, Morristown, New Jersey, U.S. - July 2, 2026 Brazil's Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes and Neymar during training IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 - Ivory Coast v Norway - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. - June 30, 2026  Norway's Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard celebrate after the match as Norway qualify for the round of 16 stage of the World Cup IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Tim Heitman
Vinicius Junior in training ahead of Brazil's World Cup last-16 clash with Norway this weekend
Norway star Erling Haaland has torched World Cup defences with five goals in three appearances

Overview

  • The last-16 match between Brazil and Norway is set for Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
  • Norway arrive with momentum after beating Ivory Coast in the round of 32 to register their first World Cup knockout win and they have won 17 of their last 20 matches under Ståle Solbakken.
  • Erling Haaland is Norway's key threat after scoring a late winner in the round of 32 and Norway will try to use his form to unsettle Brazil's defence.
  • Brazil remain favourites but face a selection puzzle after Lucas Paquetá suffered a hamstring problem while Raphinha has returned to training and Neymar is reported fit.
  • The tie echoes a 1998 meeting when Kjetil Rekdal scored a late penalty in Marseille and pundits say that history and Norway's recent development work add a psychological dimension that could shape the outcome.