Norway have knocked Brazil out of the 2026 World Cup, a result that confirms the Scandinavian side’s emergence as a genuine elite force and intensifies pressure on Seleção manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Striker Erling Haaland featured as Ståle Solbakken’s side secured the victory that ends Brazil’s campaign. The elimination represents the latest milestone in Norway’s remarkable rise and leaves Ancelotti facing serious questions about his future, with scrutiny mounting over the team’s failure to progress.
Italy connection adds intrigue
The result carries particular significance for Italian football. Supporters and pundits are revisiting the Italian Football Federation’s decision to dismiss Luciano Spalletti following Italy’s 3-0 defeat to Norway in a qualifier last year. That heavy loss, overseen by Solbakken, initially prompted the manager’s removal.
However, Norway’s subsequent progress—including this elimination of Brazil—suggests the Azzurri’s struggles may have reflected the exceptional quality of their opponents rather than solely tactical failings. The victory has reignited debate over whether the FIGC acted too hastily in changing head coach so soon after that defeat, with many now viewing Norway as proof that Italy faced a genuinely world-class opponent.
Solbakken’s systematic approach
Under Solbakken, Norway have established themselves as one of the tournament’s standout sides. The team has advanced from that qualifier victory over Italy to demonstrate consistent excellence against elite opposition, backing up their earlier statement win with this historic knockout success.
The contrasting fortunes highlight divergent paths taken by the respective federations. While Brazil must now evaluate Ancelotti’s position following their elimination, Italian football continues to assess whether their own qualifying failure was an indication of structural decline or simply the first sign of Norway’s ascent to the highest level.
Norway advance to continue their campaign among the world’s elite, having proven their capacity to eliminate traditional powers. The result leaves Brazil contemplating a premature exit while Italy ponders whether Solbakken’s organised side exposed genuine weaknesses or merely announced a new European force capable of competing at the very highest level.