World Cup Earthquake: Haaland Topples Brazil as England Escape Mexico to Set Up Quarter-final Showdown

By Jessica Afuye

The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered its biggest shock yet on a dramatic night of Round of 16 action as Erling Haaland inspired Norway to a stunning victory over Brazil, while England survived a fierce Mexican fightback with 10 men to reach the quarter-finals.

By the end of an unforgettable evening, Brazil’s quest for a record-extending sixth world title was over, Norway had made history, and England had booked a mouthwatering last-eight clash against the Scandinavian giant-slayers.

Haaland Writes History as Norway Stun Brazil

Brazil arrived as overwhelming favourites, but they left heartbroken after Haaland produced a clinical late double to fire Norway to a famous 2-1 victory.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men controlled possession, created the clearer opportunities and appeared destined for the quarter-finals, only to be frustrated by an inspired display from Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.

Brazil squandered a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the first half when Matheus Cunha won a penalty after a VAR review. Bruno Guimarães stepped forward, but Nyland guessed correctly to produce a magnificent save.

The Selecão continued to dominate after the restart. Vinícius Júnior, Rayan and substitute Endrick all threatened, while Neymar was introduced in search of the breakthrough.

Instead, Norway delivered the decisive blows.

Ten minutes from time, Andreas Schjelderup floated an inviting cross into the box, where Haaland powered home a towering header to stun Brazil.

As Brazil threw everyone forward in desperation, Norway struck again on the counterattack. Schjelderup turned provider once more, releasing Haaland, who smashed an unstoppable finish beyond Alisson Becker to complete one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty after Casemiro was fouled inside the area, but the goal served only as a consolation.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations as Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, while Brazil suffered its earliest elimination from the tournament in more than three decades.

Haaland’s remarkable brace also took his tournament tally to seven goals, strengthening his claim as the competition’s standout performer.

England Show Grit to Eliminate Mexico

If Norway produced the biggest shock, England produced one of the tournament’s bravest performances.

Thomas Tuchel’s side looked in complete control after Jude Bellingham scored twice in the opening half to silence the home crowd.

Bukayo Saka provided the cross for Bellingham’s opener before the Real Madrid midfielder struck again after combining brilliantly with Harry Kane.

Mexico pulled one back before halftime through Julián Quiñones, giving the hosts renewed belief.

The contest swung dramatically after the break when defender Jarell Quansah received a straight red card following a VAR review for a reckless tackle on Jesús Gallardo.

Reduced to 10 men, England refused to buckle.

Anthony Gordon won a penalty after being fouled by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, and captain Harry Kane calmly converted to restore England’s two-goal advantage.

Mexico refused to give up and earned a penalty of their own after Kane was penalised inside the box. Veteran striker Raúl Jiménez made no mistake from the spot to set up a frantic finale.

Roared on by their supporters, Mexico poured forward during 11 minutes of stoppage time, but England defended heroically to preserve a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Quarter-final Blockbuster Awaits

With both teams safely through, attention now shifts to one of the most anticipated quarter-final clashes of the tournament.

England will meet a fearless Norway side at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday, July 11, in a contest that pits one of football’s traditional heavyweights against the tournament’s biggest surprise package.

England will hope its resilience carries it into the semi-finals, while Norway will believe Haaland’s extraordinary form can claim another giant scalp after sending five-time world champions Brazil crashing out.

With Haaland chasing the Golden Boot and England dreaming of ending decades of World Cup heartbreak, the stage is set for a quarter-final worthy of the occasion.