Story perspectives

Brazil Faces Norway in R16, Missing Paquetá

7/5/2026

Summary

Brazil Meets Norway

Brazil will meet Norway in the round-of-16 at MetLife Stadium Sunday.
Brazil topped its group, beat Japan 2-1 Gabriel Martinelli (forward)’s goal, and will miss Lucas Paquetá (midfielder, hamstring) while Raphinha (forward) remains a recall.
Forward Erling Haaland scored the 86th-minute winner as Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Dallas.
Coach Stale Solbakken denied disrespecting Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, said Norway have never lost to Brazil, and prepared a penalty-shootout order.

Summary

Haaland Racing

Erling Haaland’s five goals in three matches keep him near Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, and Carlo Ancelotti praised him as one of best players, adding he isn’t obsessed with stopping him.
Neymar, Brazil’s scorer, is frustrated after not starting despite full fitness following three seasons of injuries, leaving Brazil without its top scorer and prompting coaches to decide whether to field him or rely on options against Norway.

Summary

Ancelotti Adds Psychologist

Coach Carlo Ancelotti added Marisa Santiago, Brazil’s first World Cup psychologist, to daily coaching sessions.
After four managerial changes, 95 call-ups and the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) president’s ouster, the squad’s mood turned optimistic.
Veteran players Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos and Casemiro say the coach’s calm eases off-field pressure.
Fans now view Brazil as a title contender as the team seeks to break its 2002 knockout drought against European sides.

History

Historical Context

Brazil, the only nation to appear at every FIFA World Cup and holder of five titles, last eliminated a European opponent in 2002. That 1-0 quarter-final win over Turkey created a 22-year gap until its 2024 round-of-16 match against Norway, a game that could end the drought and shift knockout expectations.

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Brazil Meets Norway

Brazil will meet Norway in the round-of-16 at MetLife Stadium Sunday.
Brazil topped its group, beat Japan 2-1 Gabriel Martinelli (forward)’s goal, and will miss Lucas Paquetá (midfielder, hamstring) while Raphinha (forward) remains a recall.
Forward Erling Haaland scored the 86th-minute winner as Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Dallas.
Coach Stale Solbakken denied disrespecting Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, said Norway have never lost to Brazil, and prepared a penalty-shootout order.

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