An emotional moment unfolded at New York New Jersey Stadium early on Monday (6/7/2026) WIB, as Brazil's run in the 2026 World Cup came to a halt in the round of 16. Carlo Ancelotti's squad was forced to concede a narrow 1-2 defeat to Norway, a result that shattered the Seleção's hopes of winning the title this year.
The match turned into a nightmare for Brazil after Erling Haaland scored two crucial goals in the second half. Although Neymar briefly offered hope with a penalty in stoppage time, the effort was not enough to save the team from elimination. This loss marks a dark record for Brazil, being knocked out in the round of 16 of the quadrennial tournament for the first time since 1990.
For Neymar, this defeat carried a much deeper meaning. At 34 years old, he implicitly signaled that the match was his final appearance for the national team. He broke down in tears on the pitch, marking the end of a long journey of service that began at the very same stadium sixteen years ago.
Neymar ends his international career with impressive statistics as Brazil's all-time top scorer, boasting a total of 80 goals in 130 appearances. This tally surpasses the record of football legend Pelé. Nevertheless, failing to bring home a World Cup trophy remains the sole unfinished chapter in the career of the pitch maestro.
