Brazil vs Norway
Brazil and Norway are through to the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after their clutch performances against Japan and Ivory Coast, and these two nations will convene at MetLife Stadium on Sunday to battle for a spot in the quarter-finals.
The Samba Boys were one of the best teams in the group stage, taking the top spot in Group C with seven points. Since their 1-1 draw against Morocco in the opener, Brazil have yet to lose a game while producing numerous World Cup 2026 highlights in the process.
The Vikings finished second in Group I with six points after dropping their group-stage finale against France, albeit with a rotated squad. It’s safe to say that Erling Haaland is doing well in his finals debut, as he continues to rip the nets.
The pre-match SBOTOP betting odds favour Carlo Ancelotti’s side to win, but we believe this will be closer than expected.
Talking Points
Versatility is key for Brazil
Brazil will fancy their chances to win this year’s World Cup, as they have faith in their head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian boss is counting on a vastly experienced group, and he’s not afraid to make adjustments when he sees fit.
The Samba Boys looked vulnerable against Japan last time out, but they still got the job done. With the game level at 1-1, Brazil badly needed a spark, and they got it through substitute Gabriel Martinelli, whose goal in stoppage time proved to be the difference. The Arsenal forward is probably pushing for a start after three consecutive matches coming off the bench.
With Raphinha still injured, Ancelotti has called on Rayan to take the Barcelona forward’s place in the starting XI. Ancelotti has also brought on Endrick, Danilo, and Fabinho against the Samurai Blue. Neymar, who didn’t play, could also come off the bench against Norway on Sunday.
Lucas Paqueta is in danger of missing the remainder of Brazil’s finals campaign after sustaining an injury against Japan, which could open up minutes for Ederson, Fabinho, and Neymar. Ederson has yet to make his World Cup debut since securing his permanent transfer to Manchester United.
Vinicius Jr. and Matheus Cunha should continue to start up front, with Bruno Guimaraes pulling the strings in the middle of the park.
Odegaard is Norway’s x-factor
Norway’s win over Ivory Coast was their first-ever win in the World Cup knockouts, and they owe their latest victory to the Premier League duo of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard was credited with the assist on Antonio Nusa’s goal in the 39th minute. And after Amad Diallo scored the leveller for Les Elephants in the 74th minute, Erling Haaland scored in the 86th minute with the help of Patrick Berg.
While Haaland’s goals have taken the spotlight in this year’s finals for Norway, Odegaard’s recent performances shouldn’t be overlooked. The Arsenal playmaker became the first player to assist a goal in three successive World Cup matches since Dirk Kuyt in 2010.
History
Sunday marks only the third competitive meeting between Brazil and Norway. The Vikings won 2-1 against the Samba Boys in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup en route to finishing second in Group A, and Brazil eventually lost to France in the final. These two nations would meet again in an international friendly in August 2006 and shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Save for 1930, Brazil have always reached the Round of 16 in the World Cup. They’ve also reached the quarter-finals in each of their last eight finals appearances, highlighted by two titles, one runner-up finish, and one fourth-place finish.
In stark contrast, Norway are in the finals for only the fourth time in history. The Vikings advanced to the Round of 16 in 1938 and 1998 and will look to progress to the quarter-finals for the first time.
Betting Tip
As mentioned, the World Cup 2026 odds have Brazil as the favourites to win on Sunday in New Jersey. The Samba Boys are 1.88 favourites, the Vikings are 3.93 underdogs, and a draw after 90 minutes is at 3.64 in the 1X2 market.
Both teams should have goals for this fixture. Besides rooting for Carlo Ancelotti’s men to win, bettors may also want to add Over 2.50 at 1.78, Over 2.75 at 1.98, and Total Goal 2-3 at 2.01 to the parlay. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 1-1 – the result of their only previous encounter – yields a decent payday of 6.70.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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