Brazil’s long wait for their sixth World Cup triumph will now stretch to 28 years after they were knocked out of the 2026 edition by Norway on Saturday. Erling Haaland struck twice late in the game to secure a 2-1 win for the Scandinavian side, who capitalised on Bruno Guimaraes’ early penalty miss to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

The Selecao survived an early scare when Patrick Berg’s effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up. They were handed a golden opportunity soon after when Matheus Cunha was brought down inside the box, but Guimaraes’ poor penalty was comfortably saved by Orjan Nyland.

From that point, Norway took control of possession, though Carlo Ancelotti’s men still looked dangerous on the counter. Vinicius Jr came closest to opening the scoring before half-time after pressing high to win the ball, forcing Nyland into a sharp save. At the other end, Alisson Becker did well to block a shot from Martin Odegaard.

Ancelotti introduced Endrick early in the second half in search of a breakthrough, but the teenager squandered a glorious chance when played through by Vinicius, his heavy touch taking the ball away before he could finish. Neymar was also brought on, yet Norway continued to press forward. After Andreas Schjelderup tested Alisson with a low drive, the Benfica winger delivered a pinpoint cross that Haaland headed home for his sixth goal of the competition.

Nyland then produced a brilliant fingertip save to prevent an own goal, tipping a looping ball onto the post. Haaland sealed the result in the final minute of normal time with a precise low strike from the edge of the area. Neymar converted a late penalty in stoppage time after Casemiro was fouled, but it proved only a consolation for Brazil.

Here is how GOAL rated the Brazil players in New Jersey...

Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (6/10): Reacted quickly to smother Odegaard’s attempt in the first half and handled most deliveries into the box with assurance. Could do little about either of Haaland’s goals.

Danilo (3/10): Despite his experience, he struggled badly. Found it difficult to contain both Nusa and Schjelderup, and several of his passes were wayward. Failed to close Haaland down for Norway’s second.

Marquinhos (6/10): With Haaland targeting Gabriel Magalhaes for most of the night, Marquinhos had a quieter game but still won key aerial duels from set-pieces.

Gabriel Magalhaes (5/10): Battled Haaland throughout but couldn’t prevent him from scoring with a header for the opener.

Douglas Santos (6/10): Reliable on the left flank, defending solidly and supporting Vinicius whenever possible.

Midfield

Bruno Guimaraes (4/10): Displayed some neat passing, especially in the build-up to the penalty he later missed. That poor spot-kick proved decisive in Brazil’s elimination.

Casemiro (5/10): Struggled to keep pace at times against Norway’s energetic midfield, though he used the ball intelligently when in possession. He nearly set up Martinelli late in the first half, only for the forward to miscue.

Gabriel Martinelli (6/10): Combined well with Vinicius on the left as he drifted infield from his central position. Substituted for Neymar midway through the second half.

Attack

Rayan (5/10): Worked hard defensively but lacked the cutting edge or creativity to trouble Norway’s backline. Taken off midway through the second half.

Matheus Cunha (5/10): Earned Brazil’s first penalty after getting ahead of Ajer, but struggled to make an impact otherwise. Replaced by Endrick before the hour mark.

Vinicius Jr (8/10): Maintained his sparkling form, repeatedly tormenting his markers and creating chances for himself and teammates with his pace and skill.

Substitutes & Manager

Endrick (4/10): Should have scored with his first touch but fluffed the chance. Later conceded possession in the build-up to Haaland’s opener.

Neymar (5/10): Attempted a few dribbles but made little impact overall. Booked and then scored a late penalty, possibly in his final appearance for Brazil.

Danilo Santos (5/10): Made little impression after replacing Martinelli.

Ederson (5/10): Failed to provide the control and stability Ancelotti would have wanted in midfield.

Carlo Ancelotti (5/10): Opted for a cautious setup, allowing Norway to dominate possession. His decision-making ultimately backfired, though poor finishing from his players also played a role in the defeat.