Brazil seek first-ever win over Norway to end long-standing hoodoo
The five-time champions face a statistical anomaly as Norway stand between them and a World Cup quarter-final place.
Brazil enter their 2026 Fifa World Cup Round of 16 clash against Norway carrying an unusual historical burden – they have never beaten the Scandinavian side across 88 international match-ups against different nations, a record that will be tested once again in tonight's last-16 encounter.
Norway remain unbeaten in five meetings against Brazil, including three draws and two victories for the Selecao. The most iconic result came at the 1998 World Cup, when Kjetil Rekdal's late penalty sealed a 2-1 win that knocked Brazil off top spot in the group.
Carlo Ancelotti's side arrive in strong form after topping Group C, with Vinicius Junior among the standout performers.
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The Brazil coach also confirmed a major boost ahead of the knockout tie, saying Neymar is "ready to play 90 minutes" after being carefully managed in the group stage.
However, history weighs heavily on Brazil. They have lost their last six World Cup knockout matches against European opposition, a streak stretching over two decades.
Norway, meanwhile, have been one of the tournament's surprise packages. After returning to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, they topped their group with wins over Iraq and Senegal, before resting key players in a rotated final group match against France to prepare for this last-16 showdown.
With Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard expected to return to the starting XI, Norway will look to extend their unbeaten record. For Brazil, it is a chance to finally break a rare statistical curse and move into the quarter-finals.
