The 2026 World Cup is underway as those still in contention fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some are already making their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are currently the top candidates, but they face intense competition as we go further into the knockout rounds.

Comprehensive match preview of Brazil vs Norway at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 16 clash in New Jersey.

Erling Haaland has admitted that Norway face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup dream alive after setting up a daunting round of 16 clash against Brazil. Despite Norway winning three of their four games at the tournament to date, the Manchester City superstar is refusing to get carried away as the Scandinavians prepare to face one of the favourites.

Quite predictably, Erling Haaland was Norway's hero as his late goal secured a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast to send the Scandinavians through to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, setting up a showdown with Brazil. The Manchester City striker had been peripheral for long stretches but popped up to bobble home the winner with just four minutes left on the clock in Dallas, after Manchester United's Amad Diallo had hauled Les Elephants level.

The Golden Boot may not always lead to team success, but the race for the individual award this summer might be one of the most compelling in recent memory

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.