Daijiworld Media Network – New Jersey

New Jersey, Jul 6: Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a disappointing end after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium, with star forward Neymar announcing his retirement from international football following the loss.

The defeat marked Brazil's earliest exit from the World Cup knockout stage since 1990 and ended the Seleção's hopes of securing a record-extending sixth world title.

An emotional Neymar confirmed after the match that it was his final appearance for Brazil.

"I tried, I tried... Now it's over! I started here, I finished here," he said, referring to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he made his senior debut for Brazil in a friendly against the United States in 2010.

The 34-year-old came off the bench during the match and converted a late penalty, but the goal was not enough to prevent Brazil's elimination.

Neymar ends his international career with 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances for Brazil. Despite an illustrious club career filled with major honours, his only senior international title with Brazil was the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Brazil's elimination also extends the country's World Cup title drought. If the Seleção fail to win the tournament in 2030, they will have gone 28 years without lifting football's biggest trophy since their last triumph in 2002.