Erling Haaland has scored five goals at World Cup 2026, and now it is Brazil’s job to stop him. Ahead of their last-16 tie with Norway in New Jersey, Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed any tailor-made ‘anti-Haaland plan’. The tie matters to England too: the winner of Brazil vs Norway could land on the Three Lions’ path in the quarter-finals.
Ancelotti rejects a special anti-Haaland plan
Carlo Ancelotti has waved away the idea of a bespoke system to shackle Erling Haaland. The Brazil boss argues that building a plan around one player would ignore the rest of Norway. ‘We defend as a team, not against a name,’ he said, while praising the Manchester City striker’s power.
Five goals in four games is Haaland’s tally in this tournament. Against a Brazil defence reshaped by Ancelotti, the physical battle will be decisive. Brazil are expected to sit in a compact mid-block to cut off the balls in behind that Haaland thrives on.
Why this match matters to England
For England, Brazil vs Norway is not a distant last-16 tie. Depending on the bracket, the Three Lions could face the winner in the quarter-finals. A Brazil victory sets up a clash of favourites; a Norway upset puts Haaland directly on England’s route.
England’s defenders will be watching closely. Neutralising a striker who blends pace, aerial power and a lethal finish is one of the biggest challenges of World Cup 2026. Whatever happens in New Jersey, England will take notes from Brazil’s approach.
The tactical keys in the last 16
Brazil want to keep the ball to deny Norway quick transitions. The fewer times Haaland receives it on the run, the less danger he poses. Ancelotti is backing control over a strict man-marking job, judged too risky against such a mobile forward.
Norway’s plan is the opposite: find Haaland as early as possible in space. Every high turnover is a chance. That clash of styles — possession against directness — is likely to decide who reaches the quarter-finals.
FAQ
When is Brazil vs Norway at World Cup 2026?
The last-16 tie between Brazil and Norway is played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey during the knockout stage of World Cup 2026.
Do Brazil really have an anti-Haaland plan?
No. Carlo Ancelotti denied any specific blueprint, preferring a collective defensive approach over man-marking Haaland alone.
How many goals has Haaland scored in the tournament?
Erling Haaland has scored five goals at World Cup 2026, making him one of the leading marksmen in the competition.
How does this match affect England?
The winner of Brazil vs Norway could face England in the quarter-finals, depending on how the knockout bracket lines up.
Who are favourites, Brazil or Norway?
Brazil are favourites on squad depth and experience, but Haaland’s Norway have the firepower to cause an upset.
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