Brazil Rejects Anti-Haaland Plan Ahead of World Cup Quarterfinal Clash With Norway

2026-07-04

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed the idea of creating a special "anti-Erling Haaland plan" as his team prepares to face Norway in the World Cup knockout stage.

The Brazilian side will be looking to stop Manchester City superstar Haaland and secure a place in the quarterfinals, but Ancelotti insists the focus will not be solely on one player. Instead, Brazil must deal with Norway as a complete team.

After finishing top of Group C, Brazil survived a difficult challenge from Japan in the round of 32, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send them through.

Their next test comes against Norway at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The winner will advance to face either England or co-hosts Mexico in the quarterfinals.

Despite Haaland's reputation as one of the world's most dangerous forwards, Ancelotti believes Brazil's defenders already know what they need to do.

"I don't think there is such a thing as an 'anti-Haaland' plan," Ancelotti said during a press conference. "I don't need to tell my players how to defend. They have already faced each other several times."

"Our team is in excellent condition, but we still need to keep improving."

The Italian coach added that Brazil's preparation is focused on understanding Norway's overall strengths rather than simply trying to contain Haaland.

"Everyone knows how he [Haaland] plays. I don't need to explain to my defenders how to deal with him," Ancelotti said.

"They have played against him before, so our focus is on being fully prepared, understanding the opponent's characteristics, and recognizing that they are a very dangerous attacking team."

"Norway is a difficult opponent. They have structure, organization, and quality. We need to perform at our highest level, but I believe we are capable of doing that because we are confident after overcoming a tough match against Japan."

Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimarães also acknowledged the unique threat posed by Haaland, warning that the Norwegian striker can change a game with a single opportunity.

"He is really something special," Guimarães said. "We have to defend against him, but we also have to attack. At the same time, someone always needs to be aware of where he is because one chance is enough for him to decide the match."

Brazil will be without midfielder Lucas Paquetá after he picked up a hamstring injury during the win over Japan. However, Barcelona winger Raphinha could return after recovering from a thigh problem.

Norway manager Ståle Solbakken also played down the idea that Sunday's match will simply be a battle between Haaland and Brazil's defensive pairing of Gabriel Magalhães and Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos.

"Brazil has one of the best defensive partnerships in this tournament. These are two players operating at the highest international level," Solbakken said.

"There will certainly be tough battles between them and Erling, but for me, this is Brazil against Norway."

The Norway boss admitted Brazil will enter the match as favorites but believes his team can compete if they deliver their best performance.

"Brazil are favorites, of course they are," Solbakken said. "But we believe we can challenge them. We have to be at our absolute best, otherwise we won't have a chance."

Norway is also hopeful of having Borussia Dortmund full-back Julian Ryerson available after he was forced off with a thigh injury during their second Group I match against Senegal. Defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen remains under observation after dealing with some illness symptoms.

The highly anticipated clash will not only test Haaland's ability to break down one of the world's strongest defenses but also show whether Norway's organized team structure can overcome Brazil's individual quality and tournament experience.