Norway and England Book FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Spots After Thrilling Round of 16 Victories

The FIFA World Cup 2026 produced another day of unforgettable knockout football on Sunday as Norway and England secured places in the quarterfinals with dramatic victories over Brazil and Mexico, respectively. Norway created history with its first-ever quarterfinal appearance, while England survived a late Mexican comeback to keep its title hopes alive.

Haaland Inspires Historic Norway Victory Over Brazil

Norway stunned five-time world champions Brazil with a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory, thanks to two late goals from captain Erling Haaland.

For much of the match, Brazil appeared in control while Haaland was kept largely quiet by the Brazilian defense. However, the Manchester City striker transformed the contest in the closing stages.

Haaland opened the scoring in the 79th minute, meeting a perfectly delivered cross from Andreas Schjelderup with a powerful header. Deep into stoppage time, he struck again to complete an unforgettable turnaround and send Norway into the last eight for the first time in the nation's history.

Brazil had opportunities to seize control earlier in the match, but Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland delivered a standout performance. He denied Bruno Guimarães from the penalty spot in the opening half and produced another crucial save to keep Endrick's late effort out.

Brazil managed only a consolation goal when Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty. The veteran forward later confirmed that the match marked his final appearance for Brazil's national team, bringing an end to an international career that spanned more than a decade.

The defeat also ended Brazil's remarkable run of reaching the World Cup quarterfinals, a streak that had lasted since 1994.

England Hold Off Mexico in Five-Goal Thriller

England joined Norway in the quarterfinals after defeating co-host Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic contest at the Estadio Azteca.

Midfielder Jude Bellingham delivered a brilliant first-half display, scoring twice in less than two minutes to put England firmly in control. His first goal came from a well-timed header before he doubled the advantage moments later following an excellent move involving captain Harry Kane.

Mexico responded before halftime to reduce the deficit, setting up an intense second half.

England faced further adversity when defender Jarell Quansah received a red card early in the second half, forcing Gareth Southgate's side to play with ten men for the remainder of the match.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, England extended its lead after Harry Kane calmly converted a penalty, registering his sixth goal of the tournament.

Mexico refused to surrender and pulled another goal back through Raúl Jiménez from the penalty spot after Kane conceded a foul inside the box. The hosts mounted relentless pressure during the closing stages, including an extended period of stoppage time, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and England's defense held firm to preserve the victory.

Quarterfinal Clash Set

Norway will now face England in one of the standout quarterfinal fixtures of the tournament, with both teams chasing a place in the final four.

Norway enters the match carrying enormous momentum after eliminating one of football's traditional giants, while England continues to demonstrate resilience despite facing difficult moments throughout the knockout stage.

More Knockout Action Ahead

The Round of 16 continues on Monday with two highly anticipated fixtures. Portugal will face Spain in an all-European showdown, while Belgium takes on the United States to determine the remaining quarterfinal places.

As the tournament moves deeper into the knockout rounds, every match continues to produce high drama, historic moments, and performances that could define the legacy of FIFA World Cup 2026.

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