World Cup 2026: Brazil vs Norway Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Brazil face Norway at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in the Round of 16 on Sunday, with kickoff at 22:00 CAT. Carlo Ancelotti's side booked their place by beating Japan, while Norway reached the knockouts for the first time in their modern history after Erling Haaland's late winner sank Ivory Coast. The prize is a quarter final spot and a serious run at the trophy. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Brazil

Brazil carry the greater all-round threat for me and Ancelotti has settled on a balanced shape built around Vinicius Junior. They came through against Japan without the suspended Raphinha, and his availability here will give them even more cutting edge from the left. The one caveat is that Norway defend deep and are strong in the air, so Brazil may need patience rather than early fireworks. With Alisson behind a settled back line, I trust their balance over ninety minutes.

Predicted Lineup: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Casemiro; Bruno Guimaraes, Paqueta; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior.

Norway

Norway are a real handful and in my opinion the pairing of Haaland and Martin Odegaard gives them a puncher's chance against anyone. Haaland has carried the scoring burden and Antonio Nusa offers pace in behind, while the back line has grown in confidence with every round. I expect a conservative setup, sitting deep to deny space and springing forward through Haaland. The absence of any fresh injury worries means Solbakken can name his strongest eleven.

Predicted Lineup: Nyland; Moller Wolfe, Heggem, Ajer, Pedersen; Berge, Berg; Odegaard; Nusa, Haaland, Sorloth.

Brazil should have enough quality to edge this, but I do not see Norway going quietly while Haaland is on the pitch. I expect the likes of Vinicius and Matheus Cunha to find the back of the net a couple of times and Norway to hit back at least once. My forecast: Brazil 2 Norway 1.

BTTS: Yes (1.68)

I am backing BTTS: Yes and my read on this is that this game pairs two of the more dangerous attacks left in the tournament. Brazil have scored freely through Vinicius and Cunha, while Norway have Haaland and Odegaard to trouble any defence and have found the net in the knockouts already. At 1.68 both teams to score looks the strongest value on the board.