With change, Brazil faces Haaland's Norway for a place in the quarterfinals of the World Cup
After advancing with a dramatic comeback against Japan, the Brazilian team will face another difficult challenge, this Sunday (5), when they face Norway in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil returns to the Metlife Stadium, in New Jersey, the stage for the grand final, where it made its debut with a draw against Morocco. Whoever advances will face Mexico or England, who play later at the Azteca stadium.
The Brazilian team's match will be at 5pm (Brasília time) and will be broadcast on TV Globo, SBT, SporTV, N Sports, Ge TV (Globoplay) and CazéTV (YouTube) - CNN Esportes follows in REAL TIME.
Lucas Paquetá is missing due to injury
Challenges promise to appear on and off the field. On the four lines, coach Carlo Ancelotti will have a forced change, as starter Lucas Paquetá was injured against Japan and is a confirmed absence. Gabriel Martinelli and Danilo Santos compete for the position.
Neymar, once again, will be on the bench, as will Raphinha, who recovered from the injury suffered in the match against Haiti and, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti, could be used in the second half.
In addition, Norway, which has never lost to Brazil, has center forward Erling Haaland hoping to maintain that record. The Manchester City striker has more games than goals for his national team - 60 goals in 53 matches, five of them in this World Cup.
Probable lineups for Brazil and Norway
- Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Gabriel Martinelli (Danilo Santos); Rayan, Matheus Cunha and Vini Jr. Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.
- Norway: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem and Wolfe; Berg, Odegaard and Berge; Sorloth, Haaland and Nusa. Coach: Stale Solbakken.
Strong heat will be a feature of the match
The external challenge, as has become customary in this World Cup, is the climate issue. Unlike the Houston stadium, where Brazil beat Japan, Metlife Stadium is not air-conditioned.
The expectation is that the thermal sensation will reach around 40º Celsius during the match, which will be played at 4pm local time. The United States faces a strong heat wave amid the World Cup.
The CBF informed CNN that it will not adopt new measures specifically aimed at the game, but will maintain the procedures that are normally applied in games under high temperatures.
Among the actions to mitigate the impacts of heat are the provision, during game breaks, of "ice vests", vests with ice pockets to cool the chest, and wet towels for the back of the neck and head. These are simple and common procedures, which are usually adopted in situations of extreme heat, highlights the CBF.
There was also an increase in care with athletes' hydration and nutrition, with strategies developed by nutritionist Andreia Picanço.
Without Germany, Brazil remains at the top of the list of World Cup champions
Source: CNN