FIFA World Cup 2026: Norway litmus test up next for Brazil in quest for glory

Brazil’s FIFA World Cup campaign has offered reassurance and alarm in almost equal measure. Carlo Ancelotti’s side has won three of its four matches but needed a 95th-minute Gabriel Martinelli strike to squeeze past Japan in the round of 32. It is yet to fully hit its stride and, as a result, Sunday’s quarterfinal against Norway feels awkwardly poised.

The fixture comes with a historical quirk. Brazil has never beaten Norway, drawing twice and losing twice in four previous meetings, including a 2-1 defeat at the 1998 World Cup when Tore Andre Flo and Kjetil Rekdal overturned Bebeto’s opener. Norway coach Stale Solbakken was a player on that side.

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While Solbakken is quick to show Brazil the respect it deserves, he insists that this will be no walkover for the five-time champions. “I think Brazil are finding their feet, gradually getting better and better, and they have strong players in all positions. We’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “Brazil are favourites, of course they are, but we are hopeful that we will give them a match, and we are not playing the game for fun. We are playing to win the game and to go into the quarterfinals.”

Brazil also has concerns over personnel. Lucas Paquetá’s injury against Japan has left Ancelotti short of a midfielder who knits his side together. Raphinha has returned to training, and Neymar is fit again, though Ancelotti is unlikely to hand him a start. Endrick, who offered a direct threat after coming on at the beginning of the second half against Japan, and Martinelli, after his dramatic strike, are in contention for starting XI berths.

Vinícius Júnior has scored in all three group games, while Bruno Guimarães leads the tournament with four assists. The Seleçao’s 2-1 win over Japan was its first comeback victory in a World Cup knockout match since the 2002 quarterfinal against England.

Norway, meanwhile, arrives after a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast. Martin Ødegaard has assisted in three straight World Cup matches, while Erling Haaland has already scored five goals in this edition.

Brazil, too, is wary of the Manchester City forward, who scored the winner against the West Africans after being largely peripheral for much of the night. “Haaland is a great player, and he has already shown that on several occasions,” Brazil striker Matheus Cunha said ahead of the match.

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The pair have faced each other in the Premier League, representing rival Manchester clubs. “But we have to focus on the whole team, as they have other dangerous players – many of whom also play in England – making Norway one of the toughest opponents we could face at this stage,” he added.

For all of Brazil’s pedigree, this night might be decided by whether it can contain the most ruthless penalty-box striker of this generation. Against a side still searching for complete control, Haaland can punish even the briefest lapse.

Published on Jul 04, 2026