In the 14th minute of the Round-of-16 match at the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, Brazil earned a penalty against Norway. It was a golden chance to take the lead. Many anticipated Vinícius Júnior to execute the kick, yet surprise spread when Bruno Guimarães stepped up instead. Ørjan Nyland saved the attempt, highlighting the unexpected choice to have Guimarães take the penalty.
Throughout the match, Brazil had multiple opportunities to score. However, Guimarães’ miss haunted the team as Brazil fell to Norway, 2-1. Ørjan Nyland delivered a standout performance with key saves, raising questions whether even Vini Jr. might have missed the chance.
In his post-match press conference, Brazil’s manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed why Vinícius Júnior didn’t take the penalty. He replied, “Because we compiled statistics… and the best player on the national team was Raphinha.” Ancelotti explained, “From the players available, the best was Neymar, then Igor Thiago, then Bruno Guimarães, then Martinelli. We chose Guimarães because we thought he was the player on the field.”
Raphinha, sidelined due to a hamstring injury against Haiti in the group stage, was available but did not play against Norway. Neymar entered the game in the 67th minute and converted a penalty during stoppage time, but it was insufficient to change the outcome.
Ancelotti discussed Norway’s gameplay during the press conference. “We knew that they could play with this style,” he commented. “They tried to keep the intensity of the game low with the possession.” He acknowledged Brazil’s difficulties in pressing high, noting, “For 70 minutes, the game was under control.”
Erling Haaland then took charge, scoring twice in the 79th and 90th minutes, sending Norway to their first men’s World Cup quarterfinal. Norway will face either England or Mexico on Saturday, July 11.
Brazil experienced their earliest men’s World Cup exit since 1990. Despite holding five World Cup titles, more than any other nation, Brazil now faces a 28-year gap since their last championship.