Brazil are used to the rest of the world making plans to stop them. Before tonight’s World Cup meeting with Norway, the conversation has changed. Now Brazil are talking about how to stop Erling Braut Haaland.

Norway face Brazil in the World Cup round of 16 on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, which is 10 p.m. in Norway.

For Norwegian supporters, the fixture carries obvious history. In 1998, Norway beat Brazil 2–1 in Marseille, with Tore André Flo and Kjetil Rekdal scoring. Reuters notes that Brazil have still never beaten Norway in four senior meetings. But this is not just nostalgia. Brazil are preparing for Norway as a real tactical problem.

According to Reuters, Carlo Ancelotti has said his defenders already know Haaland from European football. Bruno Guimarães was even more direct: Brazil must stop the ball from reaching him.

Haaland’s winner against Ivory Coast sent Norway through after a historic 2–1 victory, which VG described as the country’s first World Cup knockout win. Brazil remain Brazil. But respect has already shifted. Tonight’s question is simple: Can Brazil stop Norway before the ball reaches Haaland?