Preview: Brazil vs Norway – Latest News, Predicted Line-ups, Team News | 2026 World Cup (05/07/2026)

Last update at 3 July, 2026⏲️ Reading time: 5 minutes

Round of 16 clash between Brazil and Norway.

Brazil and Norway face off in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil and Norway meet in one of the standout Round of 16 ties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside New York, United States.

Fans who do not want to miss a single moment can check out our guide on where to watch Brazil vs Norway live and follow every moment of the action from anywhere.

The venue will also host the World Cup final, giving both teams extra motivation to return later in the tournament. The winner will face either Mexico or England in the quarter-finals, setting up another blockbuster fixture.

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Brazil had to come from behind against Japan to secure their place in the Round of 16, while Norway defeated Ivory Coast in an entertaining and high-quality encounter.

Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti's side struggled during the first half of their Round of 32 match against Japan and went into the break trailing by one goal. The Italian coach's substitutions transformed the game after half-time. Brazil dominated possession, Casemiro equalised before the hour mark, and Martinelli scored deep into stoppage time to avoid extra time and send the Seleção through.

Norway

Norway also benefited from Ståle Solbakken's decision to rest several starters against France. The Scandinavians looked fresher against Ivory Coast and were the better side during the opening 45 minutes, taking a deserved lead into half-time. The Africans improved after the break and equalised, but Martin Ødegaard inspired Norway's response before Haaland finished off a superb team move to seal qualification.

Brazil vs Norway: Head-to-head

Brazil and Norway have met only twice.

Their first meeting came during the group stage of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Brazil had already secured top spot in the group, while Norway claimed a famous victory to reach the knockout stages. Their second meeting was an international friendly in 2006.

(23/06/1998) Brazil 1-2 Norway
(16/08/2006) Norway 1-1 Brazil

Predicted line-ups

No major surprises are expected from either Solbakken or Ancelotti. Raphinha is available again but is likely to begin on the bench. Norway are expected to field the same starting XI that defeated Ivory Coast.

Position	–Brazil	–Norway
Goalkeeper	Alisson	Nyland
Defenders	Danilo Marquinhos Gabriel Douglas Santos	Pedersen Ajer Lysaker Heggem Wolfe
Midfielders	Casemiro Bruno Guimaraes Lucas Paquetá	Berge Berg Odegaard Nusa
Forwards	Rayan Cunha Vinicius Jr	Sorloth Haaland

Tactical analysis: Battle for midfield control

Brazil are favourites thanks to their remarkable World Cup pedigree, having lifted the trophy five times. However, Norway's midfield and attacking quality can certainly match the Seleção's on their day. A balanced contest is expected, with both teams likely to enjoy spells of possession.

Controlling midfield could prove decisive, allowing either side to create high-quality chances for their forwards.

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That becomes even more important when the attacking stars are Vinícius Jr and Erling Haaland. Both players arrive in outstanding form and will look to capitalise whenever their team gains momentum. Whoever makes the most of those dominant periods is likely to book a place in the quarter-finals. For Brazil, reaching the last eight is almost expected. For Norway, it would mark another historic achievement.

Players to watch

The spotlight will be firmly on Vinícius Jr for Brazil and Erling Haaland for Norway.

Vinícius Jr (Brazil)

The Real Madrid winger carried Brazil during the second half against Japan. After a quiet opening period, Vinícius produced an outstanding display after the break, creating constant danger despite failing to score. Carlo Ancelotti knows Brazil's hopes of making a deep World Cup run depend heavily on his star forward producing his best football.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

The same can be said for Manchester City's prolific striker. Haaland has scored in each of Norway's three matches so far and delivered when his country needed him most, scoring the goal that secured Norway's second-ever appearance in the World Cup Round of 16. If the Scandinavians are to eliminate the five-time world champions, they will once again rely on Haaland's finishing.

Betting analysis and odds

A closely contested encounter is expected. Bookmakers make Brazil favourites to reach the quarter-finals, although not by an overwhelming margin. Brazil's qualification is currently priced between 1.40 and 1.45, while Norway's progression ranges between 2.60 and 2.80. A Brazil win inside 90 minutes is available between 1.85 and 1.91.

The betting markets also expect both teams to find the net. Current 2026 World Cup odds price both teams to score between 1.62 and 1.67.

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Final prediction

Brazil have the edge thanks to their experience and individual quality, but Norway possess enough talent to compete on equal terms. Everything points towards an intense, entertaining contest with chances at both ends and the outcome likely to be decided by the finest of margins.

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