Ryerson injury boost for Norway as Haaland chases Golden Boot against Brazil

Norway are hopeful of having Julian Ryerson available for their World Cup last-16 clash with five-time champions Brazil on Sunday, with the defender pushing to return from a thigh problem that has kept him out since the group stage.

Ryerson was forced off after just 13 minutes of Norway’s win over Senegal and has missed the matches since. According to the Standard, he is understood to be close to full fitness, though it remains unclear whether he will be ready to start against Brazil.

Solbakken expected to stick with winning side

Head coach Stale Solbakken is otherwise expected to keep faith with the team that beat Ivory Coast to book their place in the last 16. That means Erling Haaland should once again lead the line, flanked by Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth and RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, who netted his first World Cup goal in the win over Ivory Coast.

Fulham forward Oscar Bobb is pushing for a first start of the tournament after a lively substitute appearance against Ivory Coast, giving Solbakken a selection headache in attack.

Haaland closing in on Golden Boot pace

Haaland has been the standout performer of Norway’s campaign, scoring five goals in four appearances to put himself firmly in contention for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have scored more, with Haaland currently two goals behind the Argentine, who leads the race.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been just as influential in a creative sense, providing three assists so far, while Bodo/Glimt midfielder Patrick Berg has chipped in with two of his own.

Predicted Norway lineup

Norway’s predicted starting eleven reads: Nyland; Pedersen, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa.

Ryerson remains a doubt for the tie, which kicks off at 9pm BST on Sunday, 5 July 2026, and will be shown live on ITV1 in the UK.

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Norway will go into the match as underdogs against a Brazilian side chasing a sixth World Cup crown, but with Haaland in such prolific form and Odegaard pulling the strings, Solbakken’s side will believe they have the quality to spring a surprise in front of a global audience.