2026 World Cup: Norway Shock Brazil, England Edge Mexico

 

Erling Haaland leads Norway's celebration after knocking out Brazil from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Here's a newspaper-style rewrite with improved structure, flow, and tone:

Erling Haaland scored twice in the closing stages as Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to secure a historic place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time.


Brazil were left to rue Bruno Guimaraes' first-half penalty miss before Haaland delivered a devastating late double in New Jersey.


The Manchester City striker, who had been well contained for much of the contest, broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when he rose above Gabriel to meet Andreas Schjelderup's cross with a composed finish.


Haaland sealed the famous victory in the 90th minute with a powerful low strike from outside the penalty area that beat Alisson and sent Norway into the last eight.


Brazil pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time after referee Ismail Elfath awarded a second penalty following Leo Ostigard's foul on Casemiro. Neymar converted from the spot, but the consolation came too late to prevent Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990.


Haaland's brace also took his tournament tally to seven goals, drawing level with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.


Norway will now face England in the quarter-finals after Thomas Tuchel's side edged co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter at the Azteca Stadium.


The match was delayed for an hour because of severe storms, but England made a fast start and seized control before the interval.


Jude Bellingham silenced the home crowd with two goals in the space of 98 seconds before Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico just before half-time.


England's task became more difficult early in the second half when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, forcing Tuchel's men to play with 10 players.


Harry Kane restored England's two-goal advantage from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by goalkeeper Raul Rangel. Mexico mounted a late fightback, but England held on to book a quarter-final showdown with Norway.


If you want this in the style of BBC Sport, Reuters, or AP, I can adapt the tone accordingly.


Harry Kane leads England's celebration after knocking out Mexico from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Harry Kane leads England’s celebration after knocking out Mexico from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mexico refused to surrender and reduced the deficit after Harry Kane conceded a penalty by bringing down Brian Gutierrez inside the box. Raul Jimenez converted from the spot to set up a nervy finish.


With Mexico piling on the pressure, England manager Thomas Tuchel responded by introducing Dan Burn and Djed Spence before switching to a five-man defence. Despite relentless late attacks, England stood firm throughout 11 minutes of stoppage time to secure victory and book a quarter-final clash with Norway.

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