Norway head coach Stale Solbakken hailed his team's unity after the Scandinavian nation reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals for the first time in its history with a memorable 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16, according to Reuters.
Haaland's double stuns five-time champions
Erling Haaland scored twice to send Norway into the last eight, overcoming a Brazil side that dominated large spells of the match. Brazil missed a first-half penalty through Bruno Guimaraes, while Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland produced a string of crucial saves. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty for Brazil, but it was too late to prevent their tournament exit.
This defeat extended Brazil's streak of seven straight World Cup knockout losses to European opposition.
Solbakken praises squad culture
Reflecting on the team's success, Solbakken emphasised the squad's close bond. "This is a great group, they love being together, they train well, they help each other and protect each other. We have a strong culture and we give the opportunity to let people be themselves and say whatever they want, and that's a very important part of the whole thing, when things go well and when things go not so well," Solbakken told reporters, as quoted by Reuters.
National unity behind the team
The coach said the team's success had united supporters across Norway. "I think that the whole nation is rowing together, and with that, I mean that we are having a great party here and in Oslo and in all the other big and small cities all the way through Norway," he said. "The rowing is in a way a symbol of that, and that we are all together. So I think it's great days, it's a great summer to be a fan -- I think it's better to be a fan than a coach."
Historic achievement for Norway
This is the first time Norway has reached the World Cup quarter-finals, marking a milestone for the Scandinavian nation. The team will now prepare for the next stage, with Solbakken's leadership and Haaland's form proving decisive.
