Brazil’s World Cup 2026 campaign came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday, as Erling Haaland’s brace fired Norway to a 2-1 Round of 16 victory over the five-time champions in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The result marked Brazil’s earliest World Cup exit since 1990, and in its aftermath, star forward Neymar confirmed what many had feared: his international career was over.
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“It Started Here, I Finished Here”
Neymar, who came off the bench and converted a stoppage-time penalty for Brazil’s lone goal, slumped to the ground in tears as the final whistle blew. Teammates Raphinha and Vinicius Junior rushed to console him before he addressed reporters.
“I tried, I tried. Now, it’s over. I started here, I finished here.”
The remark carried added weight given the venue. Neymar made his senior Brazil debut at the very same stadium back in August 2010, scoring his first international goal in a friendly against the United States.
A Career By the Numbers
- 130 appearances for Brazil, with 80 goals and 58 assists
- Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Pele
- Only major senior trophy with the national team: the 2013 Confederations Cup
- Limited to two appearances at the 2026 tournament due to a lingering calf injury
Brazil Faces a Period of Transition
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the disappointment while noting the team had still delivered a respectable campaign overall. With Neymar’s exit, Brazil now enters a rebuilding phase, leaning on the next generation of talent including Vinicius Junior and Raphinha as the Selecao look to end what will become their longest wait for a World Cup title since 2002.
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