Brazil vs Norway LIVE: Team news as Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr clash in World Cup last-16 clash

The race for the golden boot at the World Cup is hurtling towards an epic contest during the knockout stage and while Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are going tit for tat at the top of the standings, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr are very much in the conversation.

Tonight could be pivotal in either man’s pursuit of that individual accolade, with a high-scoring performance sure to propel them into that leading pack.

Here’s how the standings currently look:

1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 7 goals, (2 assists)

2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 7 goals

= 3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 5 goals

= 3. Harry Kane (England), 5 goals

5. Ousmane Dembele (France), 4 goals (2 assists)

= 6. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)

= 6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 4 goals (1 assist)

= 6. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 4 goals (1 assist)

How do Brazil and Norway stack up against the rest? Here’s where every team in the last-16 stands in The Independent’s World Cup 2026 power rankings:

England will keeping a close eye on the action tonight.

That’s because the winners will meet either the Three Lions or Mexico in a last-eight tie slated for Saturday 11 July in Miami at 10pm BST.

Thomas Tuchel’s side will of course need to beat the co-hosts at altitude in Mexico City later on to seal their place quarter-finals.

Brazil XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Fabinho; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr.

Norway XI: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.

Lucas Paqueta is set to miss out for Brazil having hurt a hamstring during the first half against Japan on Monday, meaning Carlo Ancelotti could opt to include young Endrick from the start unless he hands the role to old hand Fabinho. Raphinha is recovering from his hamstring issue sustained during the group stage but is unlikely to feature.

Staale Solbakken has no fresh injury concerns to contend with for Norway.

Brazil vs Norway is due to kick off at 9pm BST on Sunday 5 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 8.15pm BST. A live stream will be available via ITVX.

The mood in Norway’s camp could hardly be different, however. Having secured a first ever knockout win versus Ivory Coast, the primary objective has been ticked off and the pressure is not quite as significant as their opponent’s.

This tie also presents both Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr with another chance to dominate the spotlight with both firmly in the running for the golden boot.

Hello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Brazil vs Norway in the World Cup last-16.

We’ll bring you all the latest team news, build-up and match action from New Jersey, right here!