Brazil will face Norway in the round of 16. Will the World Cup’s strangest curse strike again?
Brazil built their World Cup legacy by overcoming almost every challenge thrown their way. Five titles, countless iconic victories and a reputation for thriving on football’s biggest stage have made the Selecao the benchmark of international football.
However, deep in the history books of the tournament lies one puzzling exception. Brazil have never beaten Norway in a professional soccer match. Ahead of their round of 16 meeting, one wonders if this is what is going through the minds of Brazil’s stars as they prepare to face a strong Norwegian side led up front by perhaps the greatest goalscorer of this generation – Erling Haaland.
The fact that Brazil have met Norway four times and never won is perhaps one of football’s strangest statistical quirks.
Brazil has conquered Germany, Argentina, Italy and other soccer giants over the decades. But they repeatedly left frustrated against Norway. Two defeats and two draws from four meetings left the Scandinavian nation with one of the most remarkable records against the five-time world champions.
This year’s meeting comes with another layer of intrigue. Norway finally arrived on the World Cup scene with a golden generation led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Brazil, meanwhile, remain among the favorites for the title, but know that history has never been kind whenever the match has appeared on the World Cup schedule.
A RIVALRY THAT MAKES NO SENSE
Brazil and Norway have only met four times in international football, but it is remarkable that the Selecao are still looking for their first victory.
The rivalry began in 1988 when Norway held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in Oslo. Jan Age Fjortoft put the visitors ahead before Edmar rescued a point for the visitors in the second half.
Nine years later came the most famous meeting of the two nations.
At the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, Norway achieved one of the biggest results in its football history, defeating Brazil 2-1 in the group stage. Brazil had already secured qualification for the knockout rounds and rested several key players, including Ronaldo, but still led through Bebeto.
Tore Andre Flo equalized before Kjetil Rekdal converted a dramatic late penalty in the 89th minute to seal Norway’s place in the last 16 and hand Brazil one of their rare World Cup defeats.
A year before the World Cup match, Norway beat Brazil 4-2.
The teams last met in an international match in 2006, where Norway again refused to lose. Norway earned a 1-1 draw after John Carew canceled out Ricardo Carvalho’s opener.
BRAZIL VS NORWAY: HEAD TO HEAD
- 1988 (International Friendly): Norway 1-1 Brazil
- 1997 (International Friendly): Norway 4-2 Brazil
- 1998 (World Cup): Norway 2-1 Brazil
- 2006 (International Friendly): Norway 1-1 Brazil
Total Balance: Played 4 | Norway won 2 | Drawn 2 | Brazil won 0
A VERY DIFFERENT NORWAY
These early Norwegian sides were disciplined, physical and exceptionally well organised. This team also has those qualities, but now carries real star power.
Haaland has developed into one of the most feared strikers in the world, while Odegaard orchestrates play from midfield. Young Antonio Nusa and experienced Alexander Sorloth add another attacking dimension, giving Norway arguably their strongest squad in decades.
They have already shown during this World Cup that they are capable of matching elite opposition, earning their place in the knockout stages thanks to performances based on defensive discipline and ruthless finishing.
For Brazil, the challenge is just as compelling. The Selecao have ranked among the strongest teams in the tournament, but have yet to reach their top gear. Vinicius Junior was electric, while their breakout talent Rayan supported the winger from the right.
Yet any discussion ahead of Monday’s clash inevitably returns to the same statistic.
CAN BRAZIL FINALLY BREAK BUY?
History alone will not decide the outcome. Brazil have more individual quality, more tournament pedigree and enter the match as favourites. On paper, they should have enough to overcome Norway.
But then many before 1998 believed exactly the same thing.
Football has always had its devices that refused to follow logic. Brazil against Norway has quietly become one of them. Whether it’s coincidence, psychology or simply one of the game’s enduring quirks, Norway remains the only opponent Brazil have never managed to conquer.
The Selecao have another chance to erase one of the strangest records in World Cup history on Monday, with their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup up for grabs.
BRAZIL VS NORWAY: MATCH TIMING
Brazil will face Norway in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup. The match will take place on Monday 6th July at 1:30. The match will be broadcast on United8 and live on Zee5.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
05 Jul 2026 13:28 IST