Brazil was defeated 1-2 by Norway in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup on July 5, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey [1, 2, 3]. Neymar scored Brazil's only goal from a stoppage-time penalty [1, 4, 5, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 3]. The loss marked Brazil's first failure to reach a World Cup quarterfinal since 1990 [1, 4, 5, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10].
Neymar, 34, who played only 37 minutes across two matches due to injuries before and during the tournament, was emotional after the defeat and shed tears at MetLife Stadium, a venue pivotal to his international career [1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 3]. He declared his retirement from the Brazil national team immediately following the match [2, 6, 8, 9, 10]. "I tried, I really tried. Now everything is over. I started here, and I end here," Neymar said, referencing both his debut and final World Cup appearance at the same stadium [2, 10].
Neymar’s Brazil career spanned 16 years, featuring 130 appearances and 80 goals, making him the country’s all-time top scorer, surpassing Pelé by three goals [2, 6, 8, 9, 10]. He became the second Brazilian after Pelé to score in four World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026) [1, 4, 5, 2, 7, 8, 9].
Injuries played a major role in Neymar’s reduced World Cup role. He suffered a severe right knee ACL and meniscus tear in October 2023 and a calf injury in May 2026 while playing for Santos FC, limiting his fitness during the tournament [2, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12]. After Brazil’s exit, Neymar is weighing options that include finishing his club contract, joining a different team, or retiring from professional football altogether [11, 12].
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed deep sadness after the defeat but urged the team to use the disappointment as motivation for the future. "Today’s result is very disappointing, everyone is very sad. But this is football, sometimes you must learn to bear the pain and bitterness of failure," he said. "I am used to it, but we will turn this failure into strength and start a new journey," Ancelotti added [2, 6].
