One of the most compelling Round of 16 matchups at the 2026 World Cup pits Brazil against Norway. Both national teams are regarded, to varying degrees, as serious contenders for medals. Brazil, regardless of circumstances, remains one of the tournament favorites. Norway, having drawn attention with their high-scoring performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and two victories over Italy, has largely lived up to expectations at the World Cup itself. However, facing Brazil represents a challenge of an entirely different magnitude.
Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti is preparing tactical adjustments ahead of the clash. Brazilian media reports suggest that during training in New Jersey, the coaching staff experimented with a 4-2-4 formation, replacing the injured Lucas Paquetá with forward Gabriel Martinelli.
This tactical shift carries evident risks. A similar approach previously led to Brazil losing control of the game against Morocco. Deploying only two nominal midfielders diminishes Bruno Guimarães’s creative influence, transforming him from a playmaker into a more defensive-minded destroyer.
Under Ståle Solbakken’s guidance, Norway employs a compact 4-1-4-1 formation and boasts the tallest squad in the tournament. The team attacks swiftly as a cohesive unit. Leaving the midfield exposed against a physically dominant opponent featuring Erling Haaland is a significant gamble. A pragmatic alternative might have been to introduce defensive midfielder Danilo Santos, but Ancelotti, according to Brazilian sources, is prioritizing attack. Whether this strategy pays off remains to be seen.
The winner of this tie will face the victor of the Mexico versus England match in Miami.
The Brazil versus Norway Round of 16 match will kick off at 20:00 UTC.
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