Norway players celebrate after their historic 2-1 victory over Brazil in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium. — AFP/VNA Photos

Xuân Đăng

HCM CITY — Norway pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 , with Erling Haaland's late brace sending the Scandinavian side into the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Haaland struck twice in the final 11 minutes at MetLife Stadium after goalkeeper Orjan Nyland delivered a remarkable performance, including saving a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimarães, as Norway ended Brazil's hopes of lifting a sixth World Cup title.

Brazil made an aggressive start after surviving an early scare when Patrick Berg's effort was ruled out for offside. The South Americans were then awarded a penalty after Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha in the box, with referee Ismail Elfath overturning his initial decision following a VAR review.

However, Nyland guessed correctly to deny Guimarães from the spot, setting the tone for an inspired display. The 35-year-old goalkeeper repeatedly frustrated Brazil, producing crucial saves to keep out Gabriel Martinelli, Vinícius Júnior and Rayan.

Norway also threatened before the break, with Martin Ødegaard forcing Alisson Becker into a fine save after Haaland's strength created an opening inside the penalty area.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti introduced teenage striker Endrick early in the second half in search of a breakthrough, but the youngster failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity as Nyland once again came to Norway's rescue.

The Brazilian side continued to dominate possession, while Norway relied on disciplined defending and quick counter-attacks.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 79th minute when Andreas Schjelderup curled in a cross from the left and Haaland rose above Gabriel Magalhães to power a header into the far corner.

As Brazil pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Norway struck again. Haaland collected the ball on the edge of the area in the 90th minute before drilling a low left-footed finish beyond Alisson to double his side's advantage.

Brazil managed only a late consolation deep into stoppage time after Leo Østigård fouled Casemiro inside the box. Neymar calmly converted the resulting penalty, scoring what proved to be the final goal of his international career before the veteran forward left the pitch in tears following Brazil's elimination.

Haaland's two goals took his tournament tally to seven, drawing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

The defeat marked Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990, when they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Argentina. It also extended the Seleção's run of knockout defeats against European opponents to six consecutive tournaments despite the appointment of Ancelotti in an effort to end the country's 24-year wait for another World Cup title.

Bellingham double inspires 10-man England past Mexico

England survived a dramatic second half with 10 men to defeat co-host Mexico 3-2 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, setting up a quarter-final clash with Norway.

England's Harry Kane (left) and Jude Bellingham celebrate after helping the Three Lions secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over the co-host-Mexico.

The Three Lions showed resilience at the Estadio Azteca, overcoming relentless pressure from the hosts after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half.

Mexico made the brighter start, creating several dangerous opportunities through Raúl Jiménez, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a series of important saves to keep England level.

Despite spending much of the opening half on the back foot, England struck twice in quick succession. Bukayo Saka delivered a pinpoint cross in the 36th minute for Jude Bellingham to head home the opener.

Just two minutes later, Harry Kane set up Bellingham for his second goal of the match, giving England a commanding two-goal advantage.

Mexico reduced the deficit before the interval when Julián Quiñones reacted quickest to convert from close range, ensuring the hosts remained firmly in contention.

England's task became significantly harder shortly after the restart as Quansah was shown a red card following a VAR review, leaving Thomas Tuchel's side to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

However, the numerical disadvantage did not prevent England from extending their lead. Kane calmly converted a penalty in the 60th minute to make it 3-1 after another VAR intervention.

Mexico refused to give up and pulled another goal back nine minutes later when Jiménez scored from the penalty spot after England conceded a second spot-kick.

The hosts threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, with Jiménez, Edson Álvarez and Jesús Gallardo all testing England's defence during a tense finale.

England, however, stood firm through more than 11 minutes of stoppage time, with Pickford and the back line producing a determined defensive display to preserve the narrow victory.

The result sends England into the last eight, where they will meet Norway after the Scandinavian side stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1.

England's hard-fought victory keeps alive their hopes of lifting a second World Cup title, while Mexico's campaign ended despite a spirited display in front of their home supporters. — VNS