Brazil’s forward #07 Vinicius Junior reacts after losing 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Brazil and Norway at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 5, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)
Brazil’s hopes of ending their long wait for World Cup glory came to a painful end after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to eliminate the five-time champions.
The aftermath of the defeat was dominated by questions over why Vinicius Júnior did not take Brazil’s first-half penalty when the match was still goalless.
Instead, Bruno Guimarães stepped up from the spot, but his effort was saved by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, a moment that ultimately proved costly as Haaland’s brace sent Norway into the quarter-finals.
Speaking after Brazil’s elimination, Vinicius insisted the decision over the penalty taker was made by head coach Carlo Ancelotti and not by him.
