Why didn't Vinícius take Brazil's first penalty? Row erupts after Norway loss

One of the biggest talking points from Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 exit has been the decision to hand Bruno Guimarães, rather than Vinícius Júnior, the team's first penalty in the Round of 16 defeat to Norway on Sunday.

The controversy stems from the 14th minute, when Brazil were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review ruled that Matheus Cunha had been fouled inside the box. Vinícius initially appeared set to take the penalty and was seen holding the ball before handing it to Guimarães.

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The Newcastle United midfielder stepped up but saw his stuttering effort brilliantly saved by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, who dived to his left to keep the scores level. The miss proved costly as Erling Haaland struck twice in the second half to hand Norway a 2-1 victory and a historic place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.

Brazil did receive another penalty deep into stoppage time, with Neymar converting from the spot after coming off the bench in the second half. However, the goal only reduced the deficit and arrived too late to change the outcome.

The decision to overlook Vinícius, Brazil's leading scorer at the tournament with four goals before kickoff, has since become one of the biggest talking points following the defeat. Fans and pundits questioned why one of the world's most clinical attackers did not take the crucial first penalty that could have given the five-time world champions an early lead.

Guimarães' miss also ended Brazil's remarkable World Cup penalty record. It was the Seleção's first failed penalty during normal play at the tournament since 1986, excluding shootouts.

The defeat marked Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990, ending a run of eight consecutive tournaments in which they had reached at least the quarterfinals.