Brazil’s FIFA World Cup campaign has provided reassurance and anxiety in almost equal measure. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have won three of four matches, but needed a goal from Gabriel Martinelli in the 95th minute to get past Japan in the round of 16.
The fixture has a historical oddity. Brazil has never defeated Norway. Four previous meetings have drawn twice and lost twice, including a 2-1 defeat at the 1998 World Cup when Tore Andre Flo and Kjetil Rekdal canceled out Bebeto’s opener. Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken was a player from that side.
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Although Solbakken is quick to show Brazil the respect it deserves, he insists this will not be a walkover for the five-time champions. «I think Brazil has found its feet, is gradually getting better and better, and they have strong players in all positions. We are looking forward to the challenge,» he said. «Brazil are favourites, of course, 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 reach the quarter-finals.»
Brazil is also concerned about its workforce. Due to Lucas Paquetá’s injury against Japan, Ancelotti is short of a midfielder to join his team. Raphinha is back in training and Neymar is fit again, although Ancelotti will probably not give him a starting place. Endrick, who provided an immediate threat after coming on against Japan early in the second half, and Martinelli, after his dramatic strike, are in contention for the 11th starting spot.
Vinícius Júnior scored in all three group matches, while Bruno Guimarães leads the tournament with four assists. The Selecao’s 2-1 victory over Japan was their first comeback win in a World Cup knockout match since the 2002 quarter-final against England.
Norway, meanwhile, arrives after a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. Martin Ødegaard has assisted in three consecutive World Cup matches, while Erling Haaland has already scored five goals this edition.
Brazil are also wary of the Manchester City striker, 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 shown that several times,” Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha said before the match.
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The pair faced each other in the Premier League, representing rival Manchester clubs. “But we need to focus on the whole team because 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 the entire history of Brazil, this evening could well be decided by whether the country can contain the most ruthless penalty area attacker of this generation. Against a side still looking for complete control, Haaland can punish even the briefest mistake.
Published on July 4, 2026
