Brazil meets Norway in the World Cup round of 16 this Sunday in New Jersey. The match draws attention as Norway has never lost to Brazil. Broadcasts are set for TV Globo, sportv, ge tv, and ge.globo.
Brazil will confront a unique challenge this Sunday as it takes on Norway in the round of 16 at the World Cup, with the match scheduled for 17:00 (Brasília time) at New Jersey Stadium. The fixture stands out not only for its knockout stakes but also because Norway remains the only national team never to have lost to Brazil in official competition. In four previous encounters, Brazil has suffered two defeats and managed only two draws against the Scandinavian side.
Live coverage will be extensive, with TV Globo, sportv, ge tv, and ge.globo all broadcasting the match. TV Globo will feature commentary from Everaldo Marques, Ana Thaís Matos, Denilson, and Junior. On sportv, Luiz Carlos Jr. will narrate, joined by Eric Faria and Ricardinho. The ge tv team includes Jorge Iggor, Bruno Formiga, and Luana Maluf. SBT and CazéTV will also provide live transmission, while ge.globo offers real-time updates throughout the game.
Brazil enters the knockout stage after topping Group C, drawing 1-1 with Morocco and securing 3-0 victories over both Haiti and Scotland. The team advanced past Japan in dramatic fashion, with Martinelli scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time for a 2-1 win. Norway, meanwhile, progressed as Group I runners-up, defeating Iraq and Senegal but suffering a heavy loss to France. In the second phase, Norway overcame Ivory Coast to secure their place in the last 16.
Injuries have complicated Brazil's preparations. Lucas Paquetá is sidelined with a left thigh muscle injury, while Raphinha, recently recovered from a right thigh issue, is expected to start on the bench. Neymar, who returned from a calf injury to play against Scotland, showed visible emotion after his comeback. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has not confirmed Paquetá's replacement, but Gabriel Martinelli, who trained as a starter, is the likely candidate.
The probable Brazil lineup features Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Douglas Santos in defense; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and Gabriel Martinelli in midfield; with Rayan, Matheus Cunha, and Vini Jr. leading the attack. Paquetá is out due to injury, while Casemiro and Danilo are one yellow card away from suspension.
Norway, under coach Ståle Solbakken, builds its strategy around the talents of Arsenal midfielder Odegaard and Manchester City striker Haaland. The team’s offensive strength was evident in European qualifiers, where they scored 37 goals in eight matches. Solbakken faces two selection dilemmas: the right-back position, with Ryerson likely unavailable due to a muscle injury, and one attacking spot alongside Haaland, where Sorloth could be replaced by Oscar Bobb. The expected lineup includes Nyland; Pedersen (or Fredrik Aursnes), Ajer, Torbjorn Heggem, and Wolfe; Berge, Patrick Berg, and Odegaard; Nusa, Alexander Sorloth (or Oscar Bobb), and Haaland. Only Antonio Nusa is at risk of suspension for Norway.
Refereeing duties will be handled by Ismail Elfath (USA), with Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins as assistants, and Said Martínez (Honduras) as fourth official. Walter Lopez (Honduras) serves as reserve assistant.
Historically, Brazil’s struggles against European teams have been pronounced since their fifth World Cup title in 2022, with eliminations at the hands of France, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Croatia in subsequent tournaments. The last meeting between Brazil and Norway took place two decades ago in Oslo, ending in a 1-1 draw. The rivalry’s unusual dynamic adds intrigue to this year’s encounter, especially as scheduling and weather have already impacted other World Cup fixtures, such as the recent Mexico-England match moved due to storm risks.
For Spanish viewers and residents, the match’s outcome could influence future World Cup narratives, given the persistent challenge Brazil faces against European opposition. The game’s broadcast across multiple platforms ensures wide accessibility, reflecting the high level of interest in both teams’ performances and the broader implications for international football.