Kjetil Rekdal: Norway Poised to Upset Brazil in FIFA World Cup 2026 Clash

Norway's Historic Challenge Against Brazil

New York [US], July 4: Kjetil Rekdal, a legendary figure in Norwegian football, asserts that Brazil will face immense pressure in their upcoming Round of 16 match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. He emphasizes that the South American powerhouse has much more at stake compared to Norway, who have already surpassed expectations by reaching this stage.

Rekdal, who famously scored a late penalty to secure Norway's 2-1 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup, noted that the Brazilian team enters the match burdened by high expectations, while Norway can play freely after a 26-year wait to return to the knockout rounds.

“Brazil is definitely under the most pressure on Sunday,” Rekdal stated, highlighting that Norway's achievement of reaching the knockout stage has already marked this tournament as a success for them. In contrast, anything less than a win for Brazil would be viewed as a national disgrace.

Despite Brazil being the favorites, Norway has historical motivation. The Brazilian team has never triumphed over Norway in their four previous encounters, with their last World Cup match being a significant highlight in Norwegian football history.

Rekdal's memorable 89th-minute penalty at the Stade Velodrome in 1998 secured Norway's advancement, and he believes that this past success may still haunt the Brazilian players.

“That fear will always linger—the anxiety of potentially slipping up against Norway again,” he remarked.

However, Rekdal does not think that the current Norwegian squad is relying solely on past glories for motivation. He pointed out the valuable experience gained by players competing at top European clubs.

With stars like Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Antonio Nusa, Rekdal believes Norway's squad is mentally prepared to challenge the best teams in the world.

“I don’t believe Haaland and Odegaard are dwelling on Norway's victory over Brazil in ’98,” he said. “They don’t need to rely on past achievements to feel they can compete with five-time world champions; their experiences at the highest levels of European football have already instilled that belief.”

Rekdal attributes Norway's progress to years of investment in player development rather than just a single generation of talent.

“Norwegian football has seen significant improvements over the years, with systematic training, the emergence of academies, better coaching, and early guidance for players,” he explained.

“The foundation being laid is robust, and talented players are often signed by foreign clubs early, allowing them to advance when they are ready,” he added.

Rekdal believes that the current Norwegian team is stronger than the one that reached the last 16 in France in 1998. While recognizing Brazil's quality, he feels Norway's attacking trio presents a real opportunity for another upset.

With Haaland's goal-scoring prowess, Odegaard's creativity, and Nusa's speed, Norway poses a more significant attacking threat than the disciplined counter-attacking side that surprised Brazil nearly three decades ago.

Now managing Aalesund FK and serving as a World Cup analyst, Rekdal will be watching the match from the studio, optimistic about the possibility of another historic Norwegian victory.

His prediction is straightforward: “Two-one to Norway,” he stated confidently. “History tends to repeat itself in football, and it often does.”