Erling Haaland believes Norway have only a “very slim” chance of upsetting Brazil in the World Cup last 16.
Norway striker Erling Haaland admits his side will head into their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Brazil as clear underdogs, describing their chances of causing an upset as “very slim.”
Despite his honest assessment, the Manchester City forward insists Norway have already exceeded expectations and will relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of football’s greatest nations.
Haaland once again proved to be Norway’s hero in their dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.
After Antonio Nusa’s spectacular first-half strike was cancelled out by Amad Diallo late in the second period, the prolific striker popped up with the decisive goal in the closing stages to send Norway into the quarter-finals for the first time in nearly three decades.
Norway push through to the next round! ⏭️#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2026
The goal also took Haaland’s tally to five at this year’s tournament, leaving him joint-second in the race for the Golden Boot.
Reflecting on the victory, the 25-year-old praised the quality of Ivory Coast and admitted Norway had been pushed to their limits before eventually finding a way to progress.
Asked about facing Brazil next, Haaland gave a refreshingly honest response. “Very slim,” he said when questioned about Norway’s chances. However, he quickly followed that by stressing that his side have nothing to lose. “Nobody expected us to get this far. Brazil awaits in the last 16. It will be a fantastic challenge.”
Speaking after the match, Haaland struggled to hide his emotions as he reflected on Norway’s historic run. “It is history, it feels unbelievable,” he said. “We managed to qualify for the first time in 28 years, we managed to go through the group stage, and now we have managed to go through to the next round and meet Brazil. It is incredible, so now everything is a bonus.”
The striker believes that mindset could become one of Norway’s biggest strengths going into Sunday’s showdown. With expectations already surpassed, Haaland feels the squad can play with complete freedom against the five-time world champions. “Now we can play with our shoulders down and enjoy it because I do not think we will ever have this feeling again,” he added.
Rowing into the next round 🚣#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ht6Oq7ASwr
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2026
Norway will also draw confidence from history. The Scandinavians famously defeated Brazil 2-1 during the group stage of the 1998 World Cup, a tournament in which the Seleção still reached the final before losing to hosts France.
That famous victory remains one of the greatest moments in Norwegian football history and serves as inspiration for the current generation.
Captain Martin Ødegaard is equally excited about the challenge awaiting his side at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. “We’ve grown up hearing about Norway against Brazil, and it’s been hanging over us. Now we get the opportunity ourselves. It’s fantastic. It doesn’t get much bigger than Brazil at a World Cup. We’re looking forward to it because, in football, anything is possible.”
The winners will book a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face either Mexico or Ecuador, or England or DR Congo.
