2026 World Cup: Haaland’s Norway Sh*ck Brazil, England Escape Mexico Scare

Brazil were left to rue a costly first-half penalty miss from Bruno Guimarães, as they failed to capitalise on their early dominance in New Jersey. Haaland, who had been tightly marked for most of the encounter, broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a clinical header from Andreas Schjelderup’s cross before sealing victory in the 90th minute with a powerful low strike from distance that beat Alisson.

Although Brazil were awarded a stoppage-time penalty following a challenge on Casemiro, Neymar’s conversion proved only a consolation as the South Americans crashed out before the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990. The Norwegian striker’s brace also took his tournament tally to seven goals, drawing level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

Norway will now face England in the quarter-finals after Thomas Tuchel’s side edged past hosts Mexico in a dramatic 3–2 encounter at the Azteca Stadium.

Heavy storms delayed kickoff by an hour, but England quickly asserted control, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice in quick succession to stun the home crowd. Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones before England suffered a setback when Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half.

Harry Kane restored England’s advantage from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was fouled by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, but Mexico kept pressing and were handed another lifeline when Kane conceded a penalty, which Raúl Jiménez converted to set up a tense finish.

Despite sustained pressure, England held firm through 11 minutes of added time, with tactical substitutions strengthening their defence as they secured qualification for a high-stakes quarter-final clash against Norway.