The World Cup Round of 16 is upon us, and MetLife Stadium has been blessed with one of the tournament’s best matchups so far.
Brazil and Norway — who both played onthe venue’s pitch in the group stage — will square off Sunday, July 5 in East Rutherford.
Both teams had close calls in the Round of 32. Brazil went 3-0 in group matches and narrowly edged out Japan, while Norway fell to France in its final group match but beat Ivory Coast on a late Erling Haaland tap-in to advance as well.
Here’s everything to know about Brazil and Norway’s Round of 16 matchup Sunday:
What time is Brazil vs. Norway
Date: Sunday, July 5
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutheford, New Jersey
How to watch Brazil vs. Norway
TV channel: FOX
Streaming: Fubo
Brazil vs. Norway storylines to watch
- Norway has never reached the quarterfinals at the World Cup before. Its last run came in 1998, when it was eliminated in the Round of 16. If there’s a team to break that curse, it’s probably this one.
- The last time these teams played in the World Cup, Norway upset Brazil 2-1 in groups in 1998. Brazil is once again the favorite in this match, opening with -110 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Vinícius Júnior has seemingly taken the reins from Neymar as Brazil’s best player. Júnior leads the squad with four goals, while Neymar has been kept out of three of Brazil’s first four games with a calf injury.
- The winner of this match will play the winner of Mexico and England, which play Sunday at 8 p.m.
Brazil vs. Norway key players
- Erling Haaland, Norway: Haaland will continue to be the key to Norway’s success. He now has five goals in his first World Cup, just one shy of tying for the lead in the Golden Boot race.
- Antonio Nusa, Norway: Nusa has been labeled by some as Norway’s “X-factor.” He netted a ridiculous goal into the top corner to give Norway an early lead against Ivory Coast, and look for him to make a difference again versus Brazil.
- Vinícius Júnior, Brazil: Júnior will once again lead Brazil’s attack in this game. The 25-year-old scored in each of its group matches, yet was held in check by Japan.
- Neymar, Brazil: With midfielder Lucas Paquetá ruled out and winger Raphinha’s status in doubt with a thigh injury, Neymar’s role will increase versus Norway. He’ll likely be available and will look to score his first goal of the tournament.
World Cup 2026 schedule at MetLife Stadium
Sunday, July 5 (Brazil vs. Norway)
Sunday, July 19 (Final)
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Brazil vs. Norway preview for World Cup Round of 16 match at MetLife
