Brazil Must Rewrite History to Overcome Haaland and Co.

Brazil and Norway are set to face off tonight in one of the most anticipated Round of 16 matches at the 2026 World Cup. The clash at MetLife Stadium kicks off at 23:00, with the winner advancing to play either co-host Mexico or England in the next round.

The Brazilians topped Group C with 7 points, secured through a 1-1 draw with Morocco and two commanding 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland. Carlo Ancelotti's squad then began the knockout stage with a 2-1 comeback win against Japan, where a late goal from substitute Gabriel Martinelli in added time sealed the victory.

Norway finished second in Group I, one of the toughest groups in the World Cup. They accumulated 6 points from a 4-1 win against Iraq and a 3-2 victory over Senegal, before suffering a 1-4 defeat to France. In the Round of 16, the team eliminated Ivory Coast 2-1, with Erling Haaland scoring the winning goal shortly before the final whistle.

Interestingly, Norway is the only opponent Brazil has faced more than once without ever securing a victory. The two nations have met four times, with the 'Vikings' boasting two wins and two draws against the five-time world champions. At the 1998 World Cup, the Scandinavians won 2-1, and their last encounter, a friendly in 2006, ended in a 1-1 draw.

This match will also feature a showdown between two of the world's best attacking players. Brazil's star, Vinícius Júnior, has four goals and one assist at the 2026 World Cup, while Norway's top scorer, Haaland, has already netted five times in the tournament.