Norway stuns Brazil as England, France and Morocco reach World Cup quarterfinals
Norway produced the biggest upset of the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage on Sunday, defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarterfinals for the first time, while England and France also advanced to the last eight to join Morocco.
Haaland fires Norway into last eight
Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes to send Norway into its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal with a 2-1 victory over Brazil at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 79th minute after Andreas Schjelderup found him on the edge of the penalty area, before adding a second in the 90th minute with a low strike from outside the box.
The Manchester City striker's seventh goal of the tournament moved him level with Argentina's Lionel Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe atop the 2026 World Cup scoring charts.
Brazil reduced the deficit in the 10th minute of stoppage time through Neymar's penalty, but the comeback fell short after Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland had earlier saved a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimaraes.
Norway will face England in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Miami.
Neymar retires from international football
Following Brazil's elimination, Neymar announced his retirement from international football.
"I tried. I tried. It started here at Met Life Stadium and I finished here. It is now over," the 34-year-old told reporters after the match.
Neymar, who scored Brazil's only goal from the penalty spot, ended his international career as the country's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances. He made his senior debut in 2010 after beginning his professional career with Santos in 2009 and won Olympic gold with Brazil in 2016.
England survives Mexico challenge
England secured its place in the quarterfinals with a 3-2 victory over Mexico in Mexico City despite playing the final 40 minutes with 10 men.
Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession in the 36th and 38th minutes to overturn Mexico's strong start before Julian Quinones pulled one back before halftime.
England's task became more difficult after Jarell Quansah was sent off following a video review, but Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 60th minute to restore a two-goal advantage.
Raul Jimenez also scored from the penalty spot in the 69th minute for Mexico, but England held on to book a meeting with Norway.
France edged Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia to set up a quarterfinal clash with Morocco.
After dominating possession against Paraguay's compact defense, France broke the deadlock when Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty in the 70th minute following a VAR review.
The goal was Mbappe's seventh of the tournament and the 19th of his World Cup career as France advanced to the last eight.
Morocco makes more history
Morocco celebrated another landmark achievement after defeating Canada 3-0 to become the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments.
Supporters filled the streets of Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakesh and Fez following the victory, while celebrations also took place in Houston, where the Atlas Lions secured their place among the final eight.
Morocco, which became the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, will face France in the quarterfinals on July 9.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and concludes on July 19, with Argentina defending the title.
Source:AA
