Norway face Brazil in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 today, with a key boost as Julian Ryerson returns from injury. The Borussia Dortmund right-back has been sidelined since the win over Senegal in the group stage, where he was forced off after just 13 minutes with a thigh injury. However, he resumed training ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Selecao in New Jersey and is fit enough to start.
Team news and lineup
Marcus Pedersen has been deputising in defence, but Ryerson’s return strengthens the backline. Norway head coach Stale Solbakken is otherwise expected to keep faith with the same side that saw off Ivory Coast in the last 32. The confirmed Norway XI is: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Berg, Berge, Odegaard; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa. Substitutes include Tangvik, Selvik, Ostigard, Bjorkan, Pedersen, Langas, Falchener, Thorsby, Aursnes, Thorstvedt, Aasgaard, Schjelderup, Bobb, Hauge, and Strand Larsen.
Haaland’s impact
Much of the focus will once again be on prolific striker Erling Haaland, who has scored five goals in four appearances at his first World Cup. This includes a late winner against Ivory Coast, establishing him firmly in the Golden Boot race. Only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have found the back of the net more often at this tournament, with Haaland sitting just two goals behind the pair. Behind him, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been instrumental in creating chances, providing three assists. Bodo/Glimt's Patrick Berg has contributed two.
Attacking options
Either side of Haaland will be Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth and RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa, the latter of whom scored a stunning first World Cup goal against Ivory Coast. Fulham’s Oscar Bobb was pushing for a start after a lively cameo in that match in Dallas. The match takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with a 9pm BST kick-off on Sunday July 5, 2026, broadcast live on ITV1.
