Brazil prepares for World Cup match against Norway with Haaland focus
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 9:49 PM
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
Brazil faces Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Coach Carlo Ancelotti dismisses the idea of an 'anti-Haaland plan,' stating his players should focus on the overall quality of Norway's team. Brazil advanced after defeating Japan with a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli. Midfielder Lucas Paqueta is ruled out due to a hamstring injury, while Raphinha may return following a thigh issue. Norway's coach Stale Solbakken acknowledges Brazil's strong defensive partnership but emphasizes the broader competition aspect.
- •Brazil topped Group C and beat Japan to reach the quarter-finals.
- •Ancelotti emphasizes focusing on Norway's overall team strength.
- •Paqueta is out with a hamstring injury; Raphinha could return.
- •Haaland is a key figure for Norway but not the sole focus.
- •Match is set for Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
- 11:15 PMESPN Soccer — Brazil deny 'anti-Haaland plan' for World Cup tie
- 9:49 PMYahoo Sports — Brazil boss Ancelotti: There's no such thing as ‘anti-Haaland’ plan
"Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti maintains he is not about to set up an “anti Erling Haaland plan” when his side look to shackle the Manchester City forward and get past Norway to secure a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. After topping Group C, Ancelotti’s side came from behind to beat Japan in their last 32 tie with a stoppage time goal from Gabriel Martinelli.
"Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti maintains he is not about to set up an "anti Erling Haaland plan" against Norway at the World Cup.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJul 4, 2026, 11:15 PMBrazil deny 'anti-Haaland plan' for World Cup tie
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti maintains he is not about to set up an "anti Erling Haaland plan" against Norway at the World Cup.
- Yahoo SportsJul 4, 2026, 9:49 PMBrazil boss Ancelotti: There's no such thing as ‘anti-Haaland’ plan
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti maintains he is not about to set up an “anti Erling Haaland plan” when his side look to shackle the Manchester City forward and get past Norway to secure a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. After topping Group C, Ancelotti’s side came from behind to beat Japan in their last 32 tie with a stoppage time goal from Gabriel Martinelli.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- EPL•Jul 6, 2026, 2:15 AMNorway dance to Haaland's beat in 'surreal' World Cup run
- EPL•Jul 6, 2026, 2:10 AMWho is Gilberto Mora? The youngest World Cup knockout starter since Pele
- EPL•Jul 6, 2026, 12:57 AMThe man no-one wants to face - Haaland fires Norway to history
- EPL•Jul 6, 2026, 12:53 AMAgeing Brazil need major surgery - but is Ancelotti the man to do it?
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 6, 2026, 12:36 AMThis is what's on Raul Jimenez's head while playing for Mexico at World Cup
- EPL•Jul 6, 2026, 12:30 AMMatheus Cunha’s World Cup heroics in vain as Brazil crash out to Norway
