Brazil vs Norway Lineups, Starting 11, Bench & Formation
Brazil national football team vs Norway national football team lineups are still projected because official team sheets are yet to be confirmed. Brazil reached this Round of 16 after a late comeback against Japan, while Norway arrive with Haaland in scoring form and a historic unbeaten record against Brazil.
Carlo Ancelotti is expected to keep Brazil in a 4-3-3 rather than start with an extra striker. Stale Solbakken should restore his strongest Norway side around Odegaard, Berge, Nusa, Sorloth, and Haaland.
Match Details
| Match | Brazil vs Norway |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Round | Round of 16 |
| Date | July 5, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 4:00 PM ET |
| Venue | New York/New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey |
| Lineup status | Projected lineups; official team sheets yet to be confirmed |
Team News and Lineup Preview
Brazil Team News
Brazil national football team vs Norway national football team lineups carry extra tactical interest because Brazil have several midfield calls. Sports Mole reports Raphinha is ruled out, while Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro are fitness watches after the Japan match.
Ancelotti can keep Casemiro as the screen if he is cleared. Danilo Santos offers a more conservative midfield profile, while Rayan and Vinicius Junior can give Brazil direct running from both wings.
Norway Team News
Norway’s main watch point is Julian Ryerson, who has been working back from a thigh issue. Solbakken can still use Marcus Pedersen at right-back and keep the rest of the defensive line stable.
Haaland has led Norway’s attack through the tournament, while Odegaard and Patrick Berg supply service from midfield. Norway should keep a 4-3-3 shape that can become narrow when Brazil dominate the ball.
What Could Change Before Kickoff
Brazil could move Gabriel Martinelli or Endrick into the XI if Ancelotti wants more penalty-box speed from the start. Paqueta’s final status may also affect whether Danilo Santos starts in midfield.
Norway can bring Ryerson back if medical staff clear him. Solbakken could also choose Elyounoussi over Sorloth if he wants more defensive work from the right side.
Brazil vs Norway Lineups Status
The current lineup card is a projected tracker. It uses FIFA match details, current team-news reporting, possible XI reporting, and tactical fit before official team sheets arrive.
Brazil need cleaner control than they showed in the Japan match. Norway can hurt them if Odegaard receives between lines and finds Haaland before Brazil’s centre-backs set their body shape.
Brazil Starting XI
Brazil project with Alisson behind Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, and Douglas Santos. Guimaraes, Casemiro, and Danilo Santos can form the midfield, with Rayan, Cunha, and Vinicius Junior ahead.
That structure gives Ancelotti a conservative base and enough wide speed to attack Norway’s full-backs. Vinicius Junior remains Brazil’s main isolation threat on the left side.
Norway Starting XI
Norway project with Nyland behind Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, and Wolfe. Odegaard, Berge, and Berg form the midfield triangle, while Sorloth, Haaland, and Nusa give Norway a powerful front line.
That setup gives Norway direct routes into the box without losing midfield numbers. Haaland can pin centre-backs, while Nusa attacks the space outside Brazil’s right side.
Formation Analysis
Brazil’s 4-3-3 can control possession if Casemiro and Guimaraes manage second balls. The front three must stretch Norway horizontally, because Solbakken’s midfield can stay compact through the middle.
Norway’s 4-3-3 can become a 4-5-1 when Brazil push both full-backs forward. If Norway win the first pass after regains, Haaland and Sorloth can turn Brazil quickly.
Key Players in the Starting Lineup
Vinicius Junior gives Brazil the most reliable one-v-one threat. If he beats the first defender, Norway must decide whether to pull a midfielder across and leave space for Cunha.
Erling Haaland is Norway’s biggest match-winning route. Brazil need Gabriel and Marquinhos to block early service, because Haaland can punish one clean cross or through ball.
Notable Absences
Raphinha is reported as ruled out for Brazil. Julian Ryerson remains a fitness watch for Norway after missing recent matches with a thigh issue.
Bench Strength Comparison
Brazil’s bench gives Ancelotti strong attacking options. Martinelli can change the left side, Endrick can attack central gaps, and Neymar can add control if Brazil need a different rhythm.
Norway’s bench has useful defensive and wide options. Ryerson, Ostigard, Aursnes, Bobb, and Elyounoussi can help Solbakken protect a lead or chase the match.
Head Coaches — Tactical Approach
Ancelotti will want Brazil to attack with patience instead of turning the game into a sprint. His lineup likely protects midfield first, then asks Vinicius and Rayan to create separation wide.
Solbakken will accept spells without the ball if Norway keep their counter-attacking lanes open. Odegaard’s first pass after regain could decide how often Haaland runs at Brazil’s back line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Brazil vs Norway lineups confirmed?
No. The official Brazil vs Norway lineups are yet to be confirmed, so the current card shows projected starting XIs.
What formation could Brazil use against Norway?
Brazil are projected in a 4-3-3, with Casemiro screening midfield and Vinicius Junior attacking from the left.
What formation could Norway use against Brazil?
Norway are projected in a 4-3-3, with Martin Odegaard supporting Erling Haaland through central service.
Who are the key players in Brazil vs Norway lineups?
Vinicius Junior, Casemiro, Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Antonio Nusa are the key players to watch.
When will the official starting 11 be available?
The official starting 11 should be available around one hour before kickoff, once both teams release match sheets.
Brazil vs Norway lineups will become confirmed only after both official match sheets arrive. Until then, Brazil project as the possession side, while Norway carry the clearest transition threat through Odegaard service and Haaland movement.
