Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh delivered a scathing assessment of the Brazilian national team following their dramatic exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, asserting that the historic identity of the South American giants has dissolved.
The critique followed a stunning 2-1 quarterfinal defeat suffered by Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the hands of Norway at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night. The historic result propelled the Scandinavian nation into the World Cup semifinals for the first time in football history, courtesy of a masterclass performance from their star forward.
The match got off to a disastrous start for the Seleção when Bruno Guimarães failed to convert an early penalty. Despite mounting consistent pressure before the halftime whistle, Brazilian attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Vinícius Júnior found their efforts repeatedly thwarted by an inspired performance from Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
Norway gradually took control of the tactical battle as the second half progressed, breaking the deadlock in the 79th minute when Manchester City striker Erling Haaland converted a powerful header. Haaland then sealed the historic victory right at the 90-minute mark, unleashing a fierce strike from outside the penalty area to double the advantage and render a late Brazilian consolidation meaningless.
Oliseh, tracking the tournament’s tactical trends, took to social media to express his disappointment with the tactical indiscipline and lackluster attitude displayed by the five-time world champions. He argued that the current squad lacks the fear factor and creative flair traditionally associated with Brazilian football.
“Erling Haaland’s second goal tells you everything you need to know. Look at the tactical shape, look at the body language—The Brazil we used to know, is completely gone. This Brazil side is sadly and completely playing “ordinary”. Bravo Norway. This world cup continues to amaze!” Oliseh wrote.
The unexpected elimination sends shockwaves through the tournament brackets, while Norway’s disciplined collective structure and clinical finishing position them as genuine contenders heading into the final rounds of the global showpiece.