The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another day of high drama on Sunday as Norway stunned tournament favourites Brazil with a memorable 2-1 victory, while England held off a spirited Mexico comeback to secure a thrilling 3-2 win and advance to the quarter-finals. Norway produced the tournament’s biggest upset to date, ending Brazil’s World Cup dream with a disciplined defensive display and clinical finishing.
The Scandinavians frustrated the five-time world champions for much of the contest before capitalising on their chances to seal a famous victory. Brazil dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities, but Norway’s organised backline and composed goalkeeping kept the South Americans at bay. A late Brazilian goal proved little more than consolation as the final whistle confirmed one of the competition’s biggest shocks. The result sends Norway into the quarter-finals brimming with confidence as they continue an impressive World Cup campaign that has seen them emerge as genuine contenders.
England, meanwhile, survived a stern examination against co-hosts Mexico in an entertaining five-goal thriller played before a passionate home crowd. The Three Lions raced into an early lead through an attacking display that showcased their pace and creativity, but Mexico refused to back down. The hosts responded with two goals to keep the contest alive, forcing England to dig deep during a tense closing spell. England’s experience ultimately proved decisive as they held firm under relentless Mexican pressure to claim a hard-fought 3-2 victory and maintain their quest for a second World Cup title.
The victory highlighted England’s attacking quality but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities that manager Gareth Southgate will be keen to address before the quarter-finals. Sunday’s results set up an intriguing quarter-final clash between Norway and England, with both nations sensing a realistic opportunity to move one step closer to football’s biggest prize. Norway will draw confidence from eliminating one of the tournament favourites, while England will rely on their knockout-stage experience as they seek to continue their march towards the final.With several heavyweight nations already eliminated, the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title remains wide open, promising more thrilling encounters as the tournament enters its decisive stages.