England to face Norway after Haaland double knocks Brazil out of World Cup

England to face Norway after Haaland double knocks Brazil out of World Cup
England players celebrate after the match, Mexico City, Mexico, 5 July 2026.
Reuters

England will face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals after Erling Haaland scored twice late on to stun five-time champions Brazil 2-1 and send Norway into the last eight for the first time in their history.

England survive Mexico scare, reach quarter-finals

England booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals for a third successive tournament after holding off a spirited Mexico fightback to win 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium.

Thomas Tuchel's side looked to be in complete control after Jude Bellingham struck twice in the space of two minutes before half-time, but England were forced to dig deep after Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half.

Harry Kane restored England's two-goal cushion from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raul Rangel, but the captain later conceded a spot-kick that Raul Jimenez converted to set up a tense finish.

Jordan Pickford produced a string of important saves as England defended bravely with 10 men to secure a famous victory and book a quarter-final meeting with Norway, who earlier stunned Brazil.

England show resilience after red card
Mexico's Raul Jimenez looks dejected after the match following their elimination from the World Cup, Mexico City, Mexico, 5 July 2026.
Reuters

After a one-hour delay caused by thunderstorms, England soaked up early pressure before taking control of the contest. Bellingham opened the scoring with a diving header from Bukayo Saka's cross before finishing off another flowing move moments later after being picked out by Kane.

Mexico pulled a goal back through Julian Quinones before the break, and England's task became even tougher when Quansah was dismissed following a VAR review for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo.

Despite the setback, England kept their composure. Kane coolly converted from the spot just after the hour mark before the visitors produced a determined defensive display to see out the closing stages.

Mexico fall just short at the Azteca
Mexico's Raul Jimenez looks dejected after the match following their elimination from the World Cup, Mexico City, Mexico, 5 July 2026.
Reuters

Mexico, backed by a passionate home crowd, refused to give up and piled forward after Jimenez's penalty reduced the deficit to 3-2.

The co-hosts dominated possession in the closing stages and pushed relentlessly for an equaliser, but England held firm to hand Mexico their first-ever World Cup defeat at the Azteca Stadium.

The result also ended Mexico's impressive home record in competitive matches and brought their memorable World Cup campaign to an end, while England march on with hopes of lifting the trophy still very much alive.

Haaland delivers when it matters

The prolific striker struck in the 79th and 90th minutes to send Norway into the last eight and condemn Brazil to their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

The victory marks one of the biggest results in Norwegian football history.

FIFA World Cup 2026. Brazil v Norway. Norway's Erling Haaland scores their second goal, New Jersey, U.S., 5 July 2026
Reuters

For much of the contest, Brazil appeared the more likely side to break the deadlock. However, Haaland needed only a handful of opportunities to make the difference.

“I mean, it's like things normally are,” Haaland said through an interpreter.

“If I have a chance or two, then very often I score. I'm not quite sure, but this is what I do. It's all about being focused and taking the chances I get.”

The goals were Haaland's sixth and seventh of the tournament, drawing him level with Argentina's Lionel Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe at the top of the scoring charts.

Nyland keeps Brazil at bay

Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland played a crucial role in Norway's victory, producing four saves, including a penalty stop from Bruno Guimaraes in the 14th minute.

Referee Ismail Elfath initially waved away Brazil's appeals after Kristoffer Ajer challenged Matheus Cunha in the box, but awarded a penalty following a VAR review.

Guimaraes stepped up but saw his effort expertly saved by Nyland, who guessed correctly and dived low to his right.

Brazil continued to create opportunities during the second half. Teenager Endrick missed a golden chance shortly after coming on, firing wide after being played through by Vinicius Junior.

Nyland also denied efforts from Rayan and Guimaraes as Brazil pushed for a breakthrough.

Norway strike late
FIFA World Cup 2026, Brazil v Norway. Norway's Erling Haaland with teammates celebrate after the match as Norway qualify for the quarter, U.S., 5 July 2026
Reuters

The match tilted dramatically in Norway's favour during the final 15 minutes.

In the 79th minute, Andreas Schjelderup delivered a looping cross from the left and Haaland rose above Gabriel Magalhaes to power a header beyond Alisson.

11 minutes later, the pair combined again. Schjelderup found Haaland with a low pass and the Manchester City striker controlled before firing into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Brazil pulled one back deep into stoppage time when veteran forward Neymar converted a penalty, but there was not enough time remaining to complete a comeback.

The 34-year-old's late goal could prove to be his final World Cup score if he does not appear in another edition of the tournament.

Historic result for Norway

The victory preserves Norway's remarkable record against Brazil at the World Cup, improving it to two wins from two matches.

Their previous World Cup meeting came in 1998, when Norway also defeated Brazil 2-1 during the group stage.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken admitted he had not been thinking about a quarter-final place before the tournament.

“I never thought about it,” he said.

“I just thought that we needed to proceed from the group stage. And then, of course, it's the next game, and now it was Brazil.”

Brazil left frustrated
FIFA World Cup 2026, Brazil v Norway, Brazil's Neymar and Raphinha look dejected after the match as Brazil are eliminated from the World Cup, U.S., 5 July 2026
Reuters

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said his side had periods where they deserved more from the match.

“Obviously, everyone is profoundly disappointed,” Ancelotti said.

“We didn't do a spectacular World Cup campaign, but we did a good one, and we even deserved to win the match at some points today.”

Instead, Brazil's long wait for a sixth World Cup title will continue for at least another four years.

For Norway, meanwhile, the celebrations had only just begun.

“This is just an insane day,” Haaland said after leading the travelling Norwegian supporters in celebration.

“One of the most insane days in Norwegian history.”

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