Neymar Cries After Brazil's Early World Cup Exit, Hints at International Retirement

Brazil was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16 following a 2-1 loss to Norway, with Neymar scoring Brazil's only goal from a penalty deep into stoppage time. Despite his late goal, it was too late to change the outcome, and Neymar was visibly emotional on the pitch, shedding tears after the defeat. He hinted that this match might mark the end of his international career, referencing his debut for Brazil in 2010 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the same venue where this game took place. Neymar is expected to continue his club career next season with Santos.

This loss marks another painful chapter in Neymar's World Cup journey, spanning four tournaments without securing the title. He became only the second Brazilian, after Thiago Silva, to participate in four World Cups without winning one. Neymar also reached a personal milestone by entering Brazil's top three World Cup goal scorers, but the achievement offered little consolation. Off the field, Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti avoided post-match interviews, with his son and assistant Davide Ancelotti speaking instead. Davide explained that the decision to let Bruno Guimaraes take the crucial penalty was predetermined and acknowledged the team's below-par performance.

Norway advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in their history, defeating Brazil for the second time in a World Cup, having also won 2-1 in 1998. Brazil's campaign is their worst since 1990, and if they fail to win in 2030, it will mark their longest World Cup title drought since their first championship. Statistically, Brazil held only 34% possession, their lowest ever in a World Cup match, and this elimination is their earliest since 1990. Bruno Guimaraes became the first Brazilian to miss a World Cup penalty in 40 years, since Zico in 1982.