Brazil vs. Norway Picks – World Cup Round of 16 Betting Preview, Team News, and Predictions (Jul 5)
- When: Sunday, July 5, 2026. 4:00 PM ET
- Where: New York New Jersey Stadium, USA
- How to Watch: FOX, Telemundo
Brazil vs. Norway World Cup Preview
The round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup continues on Sunday, July 5, as one of the standout matchups is staged in New Jersey. Brazil will be heavily favored to overcome an improving Norway at the MetLife Stadium, but it should be noted that the five-time world champions have never previously beaten the Vikings in four previous attempts.
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Brazil Stats & Team News
The days of Brazil being pleasing on the eye appear to be a thing of the past. The five-time champions are more workmanlike under Carlo Ancelotti. A Selecao continued to flatter to deceive in the round of 32, requiring a 96th-minute winner from Gabriel Martinelli to ensure their progression.
For much of the clash, Japan looked comfortable, with their energy in the middle of the field sucking the life out of Brazil and hounding their creative players at every opportunity.
However, finding a way to win has been a trademark of Ancelotti’s teams throughout history, and it is worth noting that Brazil hasn’t exited an edition of the World Cup before the quarterfinal stage since 1990.
Likely Lineup:
(4-1-2-3) Alisson (GK); Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Casemiro; Guimaraes, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr
Norway Stats & Team News
Norway was flagged up as a potential dark horse by many before the start of the World Cup, and it is hard not to have been impressed by their performances to this point.
The Vikings have won three of their four fixtures, but they needed to show a more versatile side to their game in their round of 32 victory against the Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
In truth, the African nation were the better team in the clash, but the decisiveness of Erling Haaland in the final third was ultimately crucial, with the forward netting his fifth goal of the summer to secure the win in the final 10 minutes. History could be made by Norway this weekend, as the nation has never previously reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
Likely Lineup:
(4-2-1-3) Nyland (GK); Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Berg, Berge; Odegaard; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa
Head-to-Head Stats
- Norway are the only nation in international history that Brazil have never beaten.
- Norway recorded a 2-1 win over the five-time champions in the 1998 World Cup.
Brazil vs. Norway World Cup Picks
Norway’s remarkable head-to-head record against Brazil is worth considering this weekend, as history will be on their side. I’m yet to be impressed by the South Americans, as they look unbalanced across the field, and have looked vulnerable in the transitions. That could suit Norway’s chances this weekend, and with Haaland leading the line, they will need few opportunities to get on the scoresheet.
