Brazil face Norway on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in a Football World Cup in 2026 Round of 16 match that pits the five-time champions against one of the tournament’s most exciting dark horses.
The fixture carries an unmistakable slice of history. A Norway team featuring current head coach Stale Solbakken famously defeated defending champions Brazil 2-1 in the 1998 World Cup group stage. Both nations know exactly what is at stake. This blog covers how to watch the match, team news, full squad lists, tactical analysis, and everything else you need ahead of kick-off.
Key Details
- Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM BST
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Where to Watch: FOX / FOX One (USA) | ITVX (UK) | SBS on Demand (Australia) | RTE Player (Ireland)
Where to Watch Brazil vs. Norway Football World Cup Match?
In the USA, the match airs live on FOX and streams via FOX One. In the UK, ITVX carries the match free to air, with ITV1 also broadcasting it on television. Australian fans can watch on SBS on Demand, while Irish viewers have coverage via the RTE Player.
ITVX is completely free, requiring only a UK email address to register. FOX One is included with most US cable packages and is available as a standalone streaming option.
How to Watch Brazil vs. Norway with a VPN
If the match is not available in your region, a VPN unlocks free access to ITVX, the UK broadcaster showing Brazil vs. Norway live and in full.
ITVX is geoblocked to the UK only. By connecting to a UK server through PureVPN, your device receives a British IP address, and ITVX becomes fully accessible from anywhere in the world.
- Sign up for PureVPN and install the app on your device.
- Connect to a UK server to get a British IP address.
- Visit ITVX and sign in or create a free account.
- Search for Brazil vs. Norway and start watching live.
Please note that using a VPN to access geoblocked content may be subject to the terms and conditions of the streaming service. Always check local regulations before using a VPN for streaming.
Brazil vs. Norway Football World Cup in 2026 Team News
Brazil
Carlo Ancelotti took charge of Brazil in late 2024 following the dismissal of Dorival Junior, who oversaw a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina. The Italian brought serial winner credentials from Real Madrid, AC Milan, PSG, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, and this is his first role in international management. His connection with several Real Madrid players already in the squad gave the setup instant cohesion.
Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their opener before recording back-to-back 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland to top Group C. The Round of 32 win over Japan was harder work. Casemiro equalised with a header before Martinelli struck in injury time to seal the comeback. Brazil have shown resilience, but questions remain over their attacking fluency against organised sides.
The major fitness concern heading into this fixture is Lucas Paqueta, who sustained a hamstring injury against Japan and was confirmed to be in serious doubt. Neymar, 34, has been limited to a brief cameo against Scotland in what may well be his final World Cup. Raphinha returned to training ahead of this match after missing the Japan game, giving Ancelotti a key option on the right. Endrick, the young Lyon forward, has featured from the bench and adds a different energy in attack.
Norway
Stale Solbakken took charge of Norway in December 2020 and has led the side to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, a tournament he played at himself. After surviving a cardiac arrest in 2001 that ended his playing career, he built a decorated coaching career, winning multiple Danish titles as manager of FC Copenhagen.
Norway’s qualifying campaign was historic. They went eight wins from eight, scoring 37 goals and conceding just five. They beat Moldova 11-1, with Haaland scoring five in that match alone, and confirmed qualification with a 4-1 win at the San Siro in November 2025. At the tournament, Norway beat Iraq 4-1, then edged Senegal 3-2, before resting their key players in a 4-1 defeat to France that had no bearing on their qualification. Their Round of 32 victory over Ivory Coast was earned the hard way, with Nusa scoring a brilliant curled strike before Haaland settled it with a clinical finish in the 85th minute.
Martin Odegaard has been one of the revelations of the tournament. The Arsenal captain assisted in three consecutive World Cup matches, and his creative output has been central to everything good Norway have done. No significant injuries were confirmed in Norway’s squad ahead of the match.
Brazil World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton
- Defenders: Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro, Bremer, Leo Pereira, Ibáñez, Ederson Silva, Douglas Santos
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Fabinho, Lucas Paqueta
- Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Igor Thiago, Endrick, Luiz Henrique, Neymar
Norway World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Orjan Nyland, Egil Selvik, Sander Tangvik
- Defenders: Kristoffer Ajer, Julian Ryerson, Leo Ostigard, Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, David Moller Wolfe, Fredrik Bjorkan, Torbjorn Heggem, Sondre Langas, Henrik Falchener
- Midfielders: Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, Kristian Thorstvedt, Morten Thorsby, Antonio Nusa, Fredrik Aursnes, Oscar Bobb, Jens Petter Hauge, Andreas Schjelderup, Thelo Aasgaard
- Forwards: Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Jorgen Strand Larsen
Brazil vs. Norway Match Preview
Brazil and Norway meet at MetLife Stadium on July 5 in one of the most intriguing Round of 16 fixtures the 2026 World Cup has produced. The venue adds to the occasion: it will also host the final on July 19, and both nations are now just four wins away from lifting the trophy.
Brazil entered the tournament as one of the frontrunners, yet their path has been uneven. A draw with Morocco suggested vulnerability, while the comeback against Japan illustrated character. Norway arrived without any expectation and have rapidly become one of the tournament’s most electric teams, with their four matches to date producing 18 goals.
The head-to-head record between these sides tips in Norway’s favour. The only World Cup meeting between them came in 1998, when Norway won 2-1 to send Brazil out of the group stage. That result, which cost Brazil their unbeaten group stage record, remains one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. The same coach who played in that game now leads Norway from the dugout.
Tactical Outlook
Ancelotti is expected to set Brazil up in an attacking shape, likely with Vinicius Junior on the left and Raphinha, if fit, on the right. Without Paqueta, the midfield balance shifts, and Casemiro will need to cover more ground alongside Bruno Guimaraes. Brazil will look to play through the lines and create chances via individual quality rather than sustained pressing.
Solbakken’s Norway will press high and aim to win the ball quickly before feeding Haaland in behind. Odegaard sits between the lines and links play from deep, while Nusa on the left offers direct running and pace to expose any high defensive line. The key tactical duel is Haaland against Brazil’s centre-back pairing of Marquinhos and Gabriel: both are elite defenders, but Haaland’s movement and aerial power will test them throughout.
Norway will not sit back. They are a counter-pressing side at heart, and they will back themselves to unsettle Brazil in transition. If Odegaard fires and Haaland converts even one clear opportunity, this match is wide open.
Football World Cup in 2026 Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 5 | Canada vs. Morocco | Houston | 1:00 PM ET |
| Jul 5 | Paraguay vs. France | Philadelphia | 5:00 PM ET |
| Jul 5 | Brazil vs. Norway | New Jersey | 4:00 PM ET |
| Jul 5 | Mexico vs. England | Mexico City | 8:00 PM ET |
| Jul 6 | Portugal vs. Spain | Dallas | 3:00 PM ET |
| Jul 6 | USA vs. Belgium | Seattle | 8:00 PM ET |
| Jul 7 | Round of 16 Match 95 | Atlanta | 12:00 PM ET |
| Jul 7 | Round of 16 Match 96 | Vancouver | 4:00 PM ET |
2026 Football World Cup Preview
This year’s 2026 Football World Cup is shaping up to be the most ambitious and expansive edition of football’s grandest stage. The 23rd edition of the tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For the first time ever, three nations are co-hosting the Football World Cup; a milestone that reflects both the scale of the event and the growing global footprint of the beautiful game.
2026 Football World Cup Format Explained: 48 Nations, 104 Matches
An expanded Football World Cup will feature 48 teams, 16 more than in Qatar 2022, and take place across three host nations for the first time. This expansion fundamentally changes the tournament’s structure.
The competition consists of 12 groups of four teams, with each team playing three matches in their respective groups. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament advance to the knockout Round of 32.
With 32 teams advancing, the knockout stage now includes a Round of 32, a Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, meaning there will be 104 matches in total, 40 more than in Qatar. As a result, this Football World Cup lasts 39 days instead of the roughly 32 days of previous tournaments.
16 Host Cities Across 3 Nations in the 2026 Football World Cup
There are 16 host cities in total, with 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
The cities where games take place include Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara in Mexico; and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and New York/New Jersey in the United States.
The opening match was especially historic. The tournament kicked off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico faced South Africa, making it one of the most iconic venues in Football World Cup history and the first stadium to host games at three different men’s Football World Cups.
The final is set for an equally iconic setting. The knockout stage will conclude with the final, to be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
The Stars to Watch in the 2026 Football World Cup
The 2026 Football World Cup features a massive mix of established superstars and next-generation talent. Here are the names central to the tournament conversation:
Established Legends
- Lionel Messi — Argentina’s captain, widely expected to play his final Football World Cup
- Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal’s all-time icon, also likely bowing out on the biggest stage
Elite Europeans
- Kylian Mbappé — France’s generational superstar and title favourite
- Erling Haaland — Norway’s goal machine making his Football World Cup debut
- Jude Bellingham — England’s midfield engine and creative force
- Jamal Musiala — Germany’s technically gifted young star
- Lamine Yamal — Spain’s teenage sensation
- Harry Kane — England’s all-time top scorer hunting major honours
South American Powerhouses
- Vinícius Júnior — Brazil’s electric winger and Ballon d’Or contender
- Federico Valverde — Uruguay’s tireless and technically brilliant midfielder
North American Heroes
- Alphonso Davies — Canada’s captain and fan favourite on home soil
- Christian Pulisic — The face of US soccer playing in front of a home crowd
African Star
- Mohamed Salah — Egypt’s legendary forward bringing vast club experience to the global stage
For Messi and Ronaldo, this will likely be their final Football World Cups, giving the tournament an unmistakably emotional dimension as two of the greatest players in football history bow out on the grandest stage.
2026 Football World Cup Knockout Stage: The Road to the Final
The knockout stage of the 2026 Football World Cup is the second and final stage of the competition, played from June 28 to July 19, 2026. The top two teams from each of the twelve groups, along with the best eight third-place teams, have advanced to compete in a single-elimination tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is ready to enter its knockout stage. Here's how the tournament's next phase differs from the group stage. https://t.co/ZUtq2tVWQo
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) June 28, 2026
Football World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Schedule
| Round | Date | Match / Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | June 28 | Canada vs. South Africa |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Brazil vs. Japan |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Germany vs. Paraguay |
| Round of 32 | Monday, June 29 | Netherlands vs. Morocco |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | Ivory Coast vs. Norway |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | France vs. Sweden |
| Round of 32 | Tuesday, June 30 | Mexico vs. Ecuador |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | England vs. DR Congo |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | Belgium vs. Senegal |
| Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | USA vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina |
| Round of 32 | Thursday, July 2 | Spain vs. Austria |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Portugal vs. Croatia |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Switzerland vs. Algeria |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Australia vs. Egypt |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Argentina vs. Cape Verde |
| Round of 32 | Friday, July 3 | Colombia vs. Ghana |
⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Fixtures ⚽
— World of StatHistics (@Stat_Cult) June 28, 2026
🗓️ Sunday, June 28
🇿🇦 South Africa – Canada 🇨🇦 →
🏟️ Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi)
🗓️ Monday, June 29
🔥 🇧🇷 Brazil – Japan 🇯🇵 →
🏟️ Houston Stadium (NRG)
🇩🇪 Germany – Paraguay 🇵🇾 →
🏟️ Boston Stadium (Gillette)
🇳🇱 Netherlands –… pic.twitter.com/Upoc5irwla
2026 Football World Cup Host Stadiums
| Stadium Name | Host City | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Stadium | Toronto | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 45,000 |
| BC Place Vancouver | Vancouver | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | 54,000 |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico | 83,000 |
| Estadio Guadalajara | Guadalajara | Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | 48,000 |
| Estadio Monterrey | Monterrey | Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico | 53,500 |
| Atlanta Stadium | Atlanta | Atlanta, Georgia, USA | 75,000 |
| Boston Stadium | Boston | Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA | 65,000 |
| Dallas Stadium | Dallas | Arlington, Texas, USA | 94,000 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | Houston, Texas, USA | 72,000 |
| Kansas City Stadium | Kansas City | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | 73,000 |
| Los Angeles Stadium | Los Angeles | Inglewood, California, USA | 70,000 |
| Miami Stadium | Miami | Miami Gardens, Florida, USA | 65,000 |
| MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey | East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA | 82,500 |
| Philadelphia Stadium | Philadelphia | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 69,000 |
| San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara, California, USA | 71,000 |
| Seattle Stadium | Seattle | Seattle, Washington, USA | 69,000 |
Mexico has 3 stadiums like this and still got just 13 matches to host and USA is hosting 78 matches.
— Rahul Raj (@RahulRajVerse) June 28, 2026
Mexico is definitely Robbed😢😭 pic.twitter.com/HMyhQJ1Xhk
Prize Money and Commercial Scale of the 2026 Football World Cup
The prize money for this Football World Cup was confirmed at an official meeting in Doha. The prize fund is up 50 per cent on that of the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar, and each team also receives $1.5m to cover preparation costs, meaning every team is guaranteed at least $10.5m.
The United States last hosted the men’s Football World Cup in 1994, and that tournament still holds the record as the most attended Football World Cup with 3.6 million fans. That record will certainly be shattered in 2026 with fans entering turnstiles in three countries.
2026 Football World Cup Official Broadcasters
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN |
| Albania | TV Klan |
| Algeria | ENTV |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Angola | Z Sports |
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports |
| Armenia | Fast Sports |
| Aruba | Telearuba |
| Australia | SBS |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV, Magenta Sport |
| Azerbaijan | İTV |
| Bangladesh | TBA |
| Belize | Nexgen |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF |
| Bolivia | Red Uno, Unitel, Entel, Tigo Sports |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT/N Sports |
| Brunei | TBA |
| Bulgaria | BNT |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas |
| Canada | Bell Media |
| Caribbean | Rush Sports |
| Chile | Chilevisión |
| China | CCTV, Migu, Xiaohongshu |
| Colombia | Caracol, RCN, Win Sports |
| Costa Rica | Teletica, Tigo Sports |
| Croatia | HRT |
| Curaçao | Nos Pais Television |
| Cyprus | Sigma TV |
| Czechia | ČT, TV Nova |
| Denmark | DR, TV2 |
| Dominican Republic | CDN 37, Pio Deportes |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports |
| Estonia | TV3 Estonia, ERR |
| Ethiopia | Hagerie TV |
| Fiji | FBC |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 |
| France (Metropolitan) | M6, beIN Sports |
| France (Ultramarine) | Antenne Réunion, La 1ère |
| Georgia | Setanta Sports, Rustavi 2 |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport |
| Ghana | ChannelOne TV |
| Greece | ERT |
| Guatemala | Albavisión, Tigo Sports |
| Haiti | TNH |
| Honduras | Televicentro, Tigo Sports |
| Hong Kong | PCCW |
| Hungary | MTVA |
| Iceland | RÚV |
| India | Unite8 Sports (Zee) |
| Indonesia | TVRI, FolaPlay, Telkomsel |
| Ireland | RTÉ |
| Israel | KAN, Charlton |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN |
| Ivory Coast | RTI, NCI |
| Jamaica | TVJ |
| Japan | NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, DAZN |
| Kazakhstan | QAZTRK |
| Kenya | Azam TV |
| Kosovo | RTK, TV Vala, Arena Sport |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK, Beeline Ukmush TV |
| Laos | TBA |
| Latvia | TV3 Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR |
| Lithuania | TV3 Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | RTBF, M6, ARD, ZDF |
| Macau | TDM |
| Malawi | Azam TV |
| Malaysia | RTM, Unifi TV |
| Maldives | ICE Networks |
| Malta | Television Malta |
| Mauritius | MBC |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca |
| MENA | beIN Sports |
| Mongolia | EduTV, National Television, Suld TV, MNB, Mobihome VOO |
| Montenegro | RTCG, Arena Sport |
| Morocco | SNRT |
| Mozambique | Miramar, Z Sports |
| Myanmar | TBA |
| Nepal | Himalaya Sports, Dgo |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| New Zealand | TVNZ |
| Nicaragua | Grupo Ratensa, Tigo Sports |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport |
| Norway | NRK, TV2 |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Tapmad |
| Panama | RPC/COS, TVN Media, Tigo Sports |
| Paraguay | Trece, GEN TV |
| Peru | América Televisión |
| Philippines | Aleph Arena, TAP DMV, Cignal PPV |
| Poland | TVP |
| Portugal | Sport TV, RTP, SIC, TVI, LiveModeTV |
| Romania | Antena |
| Russia | Match TV |
| Rwanda | Azam TV |
| Saint Lucia | Winners Sports TV |
| San Marino | RAI, DAZN |
| Senegal | RTS |
| Serbia | PTC, Arena Sport |
| Singapore | Mediacorp |
| Slovakia | RTVS, TV JOJ |
| Slovenia | RTV SLO, Arena Sport |
| South Africa | SABC, SportyTV |
| South America | DSports, Disney+ |
| South Korea | JTBC, KBS, NAVER Sports, CHZZK |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Sri Lanka | TBA |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport |
| Suriname | STVS, ATV |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR |
| Taiwan | ELTA, EBC, TTV |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV |
| Tanzania | Azam TV |
| Thailand | TBA |
| Timor-Leste | RTTL, ETO |
| Turkey | TRT |
| Turkmenistan | Quest Sports Media |
| Uganda | Azam TV |
| Ukraine | MEGOGO |
| United Kingdom | STV (Central & Northern Scotland), BBC, ITV |
| United States | Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish) |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV |
| Vanuatu | VBTC |
| Venezuela | Televen |
| Vietnam | VTV |
| Zambia | Azam TV |
| Zimbabwe | Azam TV |
2026 Football World Cup: A Tournament for the Ages
This year’s 2026 Football World Cup is more than a football tournament; it is a cultural event spanning an entire continent. The tournament is expected to be the largest Football World Cup ever by both attendance and scale, and is also expected to expand the reach of football across North America.
With legendary players potentially playing their last Football World Cups, host nations hungry for glory, and a brand-new format delivering more football than ever before, the summer of 2026 promises to be utterly unforgettable for fans around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brazil vs. Norway kicks off at 4:00 PM ET on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. That is 9:00 PM BST for UK viewers.
This is a Football World Cup in 2026 Round of 16 fixture. The winner advances to the quarter-finals; the loser is eliminated from the tournament.
Yes. The only previous World Cup meeting came in 1998 in France, where Norway won 2-1 to eliminate Brazil from the group stage. Norway’s current head coach Stale Solbakken played in that match.
Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker has scored five goals in four appearances at the 2026 World Cup, including the winner against Ivory Coast in the Round of 32. He sits on 59 international goals and is the all-time top scorer for Norway.
Paqueta is in serious doubt after sustaining a hamstring injury against Japan in the Round of 32. Carlo Ancelotti had not confirmed his availability ahead of kick-off, and the midfielder faces a race against time to be fit.
Using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, the terms and conditions of individual streaming services vary. PureVPN recommends checking both local law and the platform’s terms before using a VPN to access geoblocked content.
