Both Brazil and Norway left it late in their respective Round of 32 games, but managed to progress for a fascinating tie in New Jersey on July 5th. No doubt the city will still be in party mode following Independence Day celebrations, but the question that sits firmly on my lips is: will the fireworks continue in a potential classic at MetLife Stadium? Let’s jump in.
TL; DR – Brazil to Win as Part of My 8/1 Bet Builder
| Bet | Bookie | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil to win | Betfred | 9/10 | 1.5 |
| BTTS – Yes | Betfred | 4/6 | 3 |
| Brazil over 5.5 corners | William Hill | 11/8 | 2 |
| Bet builder | Betfred | 8/1 | 2 |
*Odds correct at 11:45 BST on 02/07/2026. Odds subject to change.
No Expiry Date
Bet 1: Brazil to Win
Brazil are still unbeaten so far in the competition. I always think that’s important when it comes to knockout stages, as there’s very little scar tissue within the squad. At least, with some recency bias here.
We can get World Cup odds of 9/10 for them to beat Norway, and for me, I think that’s good enough value to kick off our bet builder.
Obviously, the Norwegians have the tools to make this a very difficult game. Erling Haaland is one of the best in the world and has lived up to the hype with five goals so far.
But watching them in the 4-1 defeat to France, even though they rested some key players, proved that there’s only so far a superstar like Haaland can carry a team. Now, don’t get me wrong, Brazil aren’t on the same level as France right now, but it’s still a step up from the two games they won in the group stages against Iraq and Senegal, respectively.
We’re getting 9/10 because this team isn’t as dominant as squads from a bygone era. It’s not that samba football that we’ve necessarily swooned over, and instead, a more pragmatic, controlled and dare I say it, organised style.
That said, there’s more than one way to skin a cat, and so far, it’s working.
Bet 2: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Before Japan scored the opening goal against Brazil in the Round of 32, they were very good, and when they went ahead on 29 minutes through Kaishu Sano, you’d be hard-pressed to suggest that they didn’t deserve it.
Norway have the tools to unlock this Brazilian backline and cause similar problems. Haaland will undoubtedly be their main focal point, but he’s got support from the likes of Antonio Nusa, Martin Odegaard and Alexander Sorloth, all with goal contributions so far in this World Cup.
The counter is that Brazil have only conceded twice in their four games. However, in each of those games, the opposition have had golden chances to score, but just haven’t had the quality to convert. If these chances fall to Haaland, that won’t be the case.
Norway have scored in all four games and have conceded seven. I quite like odds of 4/6 here for BTTS with the best World Cup betting sites, so it’s heading in as my second pick for the game.
Bet 3: Brazil Over 5.5 Corners
Brazil have covered the over 5.5 corners line in three of their four games. This isn’t an uncommon trend for teams that dominate possession, and while Norway won’t be a pushover in New Jersey, it’s likely that Carlo Ancelotti’s side will have the majority of the play, and Norway will look to utilise the counterattack.
There are two triggers that drew me to this specific bet.
The first is the odds. 11/8 for an event that has happened three out of the last four times with the same team is high. Almost too high. But I’m not complaining.
Second, Norway conceded a staggering 14 corners in their Round of 32 tie with the Ivory Coast. Mind-blowing numbers, but all that pressure was released by the backline sitting narrow, allowing Ivory Coast to go wide and then prevent crosses like their lives depended on it.
I can see a scenario on Sunday where something very similar happens. The number might not be as high, but there’s an argument that the over 5.5 line could be conservative.
That said, for the purpose of my bet, it’s just fine, and I’m happy to wrap things up with the corners market, boosting the bet builder to 8/1.
