Brazil vs Norway Lineups: Gabriel Martinelli Starts as Key Name Dropped, Haaland leads line in Round of 16 Clash

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway takes place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, with kick-off at 4:00 PM ET, 9:00 PM BST, or 1:30 AM IST on July 6 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

The winner advances to the quarter-final in Miami against either Mexico or England. Five-time world champions Brazil face a dangerous Norway side in this blockbuster encounter. Brazil enter as clear favorites, but Norway carry a historical edge as one of the few teams the Seleção have never beaten at a World Cup, including a famous 2-1 victory over Brazil in the 1998 group stage.

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil topped Group C with seven points after victories over Scotland and Haiti plus a draw with Morocco. In the Round of 32 they edged Japan 2-1 in dramatic fashion, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a stoppage-time winner. Vinícius Júnior has shone brightly, netting four goals across the group stage.

Coached by Ståle Solbakken, Norway finished second in Group I behind France. They secured progression with wins over Iraq and Senegal, followed by a 2-1 victory over Côte d'Ivoire in the Round of 32 thanks to a late Erling Haaland strike. Haaland has scored five goals so far in the tournament.T

Brazil vs Norway Team News and Injury Updates

Brazil will be without Lucas Paquetá due to a hamstring injury picked up against Japan. Raphinha has recovered from his hamstring issue and returns to the squad, where he is expected to start on the bench. Casemiro limped off in the Japan match but should be available. Neymar does not feature in current team plans and appears unavailable. Gabriel Martinelli has started after scoring the winning goal last match.

Rayan has performed well in Raphinha's absence on the right flank. For Norway, Julian Ryerson is included despite a thigh issue. The remainder of the squad is largely fit, with Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland ready to lead.

Brazil vs Norway Confirmed Playing XI

Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro; Gabriel Martinelli, Rayan, Vinícius Júnior; Matheus Cunha

Norway: Ørjan Nyland; Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe; Patrick Berg, Sander Berge, Martin Ødegaard; Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth