Norway stuns Brazil in World Cup 2026 Round of 16 as Erling Haalland emerges as tournament scoring force.
Lead:
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its knockout phase with several major upsets reshaping tournament dynamics. Brazil's elimination at the hands of Norway marked one of the competition's most significant surprises, while European powerhouses England and France advanced to the quarterfinals with commanding performances.
Multiple transfer developments have dominated headlines alongside tournament action. European clubs executed significant signings, including Tottenham Hotspur's acquisition of Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a record deal. Saudi clubs have also strengthened their rosters ahead of the upcoming domestic season.
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Norway defeats Brazil 2-1 in Round of 16 — Erling Haalland scored twice, becoming the first player in World Cup history to record multiple goals against Brazil in a single match. The upset propelled Norway to the quarterfinals and elevated Haalland to joint-leading scorer position.England eliminates Mexico 3-2 with 10 men — The English national team secured their quarterfinal berth through a dramatic encounter, advancing to face Norway. Mexico's strong performance proved insufficient despite their home advantage.France advances past Paraguay 1-0 — Kylian Mbappe scored the decisive goal, keeping France on track as defending champions while equaling Lionel Messi's tournament scoring records.Sandro Tonali joins Tottenham Hotspur — The 26-year-old Italian midfielder completed a record transfer from Newcastle United, representing one of the transfer window's most significant deals.Al-Hilal begins preseason under Simone Inzaghi — The Saudi club commenced preparation for the new domestic season with their newly appointed Italian manager leading inaugural training sessions.Saudi Federation faces electoral developments — Muhammad Al-Bakri commented on upcoming Saudi Football Federation elections, suggesting leadership transitions require careful consideration.What to Watch:
Spain and Portugal face each other in Round of 16 action, with Cristiano Ronaldo generating significant media attention before the encounter. The United States prepares to challenge Belgium in a crucial knockout match, seeking their first quarterfinal appearance since 2002.