Who Is Norway Facing Next? World Cup Schedule and Key Matchups
Norway has advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after a thrilling 2-1 win against Côte d'Ivoire in Texas on Tuesday. Their next opponent is yet to be faced, but the stakes are rising fast.
After a quiet first 39 minutes, Antonio Nusa stunned with a curling shot just before halftime to give Norway the lead. Côte d'Ivoire fought back with fifteen minutes left, forcing what looked like extra time at AT&T Stadium. Yet, in the dying moments, Patrick Berg's cross was expertly finished by Erling Braut Haaland, clinching victory. Haaland made history by scoring in each of his first three World Cup games, something no one has done since Sándor Kocsis in 1954.
Norway's Upcoming Match: Brazil Awaits
The next challenge for the Norwegians comes Sunday in New Jersey, where they'll face Brazil. The Selecao barely overcame Japan thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's last-minute winner, marking the latest knockout goal in World Cup history. Both teams occupy a relatively open part of the bracket, so this clash at MetLife Stadium carries huge implications for who advances further.
Norway’s Knockout Stage Timeline
The winner of Norway vs. Brazil will likely face England in Miami for the quarterfinals, followed by a predicted semifinal against Argentina in Atlanta. None of these matches promise to be easy, but Norway seems confident they can take on any team, starting with the South American giants.
Why Norway Could Trouble Brazil
Brazil appears to be the clear favorite given their record five World Cup titles and presence in every tournament. Led by Carlo Ancelotti, the team usually intimidates opponents. Yet Norway has been a thorn in their side historically. Out of 88 nations Brazil has played, Norway is the only team they've never beaten, failing four times.
Previous Norway vs. Brazil Encounters
- July 1988 (Friendly, Oslo): 1-1 draw
- May 1997 (Friendly, Oslo): Norway won 4-2
- June 1998 (World Cup Group Stage): Norway won 2-1
- August 2006 (Friendly, Oslo): 1-1 draw
Three of those clashes were friendlies in Oslo, including two draws and one Norwegian win. The 1998 World Cup meeting saw Norway topple defending champions Brazil 2-1, thanks to a late penalty by Kjetil Rekdal. That result still resonates as an example of Norway's potential to shock.
Brazil will miss Raphinha and Lucas Paquet due to injuries, and their defense has shown cracks, such as conceding to Japan’s midfield runs recently. If anyone can exploit those weaknesses, it's Haaland. An upset might not be out of reach.
