Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreak as Norway produced one of the tournament's biggest upsets, defeating the five-time champions 2-1 in the Round of 16. The defeat not only sent Norway into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in their history but also marked the end of Neymar's international career.

The 34-year-old Brazilian forward, who had announced before the tournament that it would likely be his final World Cup, confirmed his retirement from international football after the match. An emotional Neymar broke down in tears at the final whistle before being consoled by teammates following Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

Erling Haaland proved to be the difference-maker for Norway, scoring both goals to secure a famous victory at MetLife Stadium. The Manchester City striker's brace also strengthened his bid for the tournament's Golden Boot, taking his tally to seven goals.

Brazil struggled to find rhythm throughout the contest and only managed a late consolation after Neymar converted a penalty in stoppage time. However, the goal was not enough to prevent the South American giants from crashing out of the competition.

Speaking after the match, a visibly emotional Neymar confirmed that his journey with the national team had come to an end.

"I tried, I tried. Now, it's over. I started here; I finished here," he told Brazilian broadcaster Globo.

The moment carried symbolic significance, as Neymar had made his senior Brazil debut at the same venue—then known as the New Meadowlands Stadium—against the United States in August 2010, scoring on his debut. He now retires as Brazil's all-time leading men's international scorer with 80 goals, surpassing Pelé's official tally.

Neymar also became only the second Brazilian male footballer after Pelé to score in four different FIFA World Cup tournaments. He finishes his international career with 130 appearances, second only to Cafu's 142 matches for Brazil.

Injuries, however, once again limited Neymar's impact on the biggest stage. A recurring right calf injury restricted him to just two appearances during the tournament. He featured briefly against Scotland in the group stage before coming off the bench against Norway in the Round of 16.

Despite entering the match late, Neymar remained involved until the end. The closing moments witnessed a heated exchange between the Brazilian forward and Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland before Neymar calmly converted his penalty. After scoring, he responded with a sarcastic smile toward the Norwegian goalkeeper, but the brief confrontation could not change Brazil's fate.

For Neymar, the World Cup remained the one major title that eluded his glittering career. In 2014, his campaign ended prematurely because of injury before Brazil's historic semifinal defeat to Germany. Belgium knocked Brazil out in the 2018 quarterfinals, while Croatia eliminated the Seleção on penalties in 2022 despite Neymar scoring in extra time. Norway's victory has now brought his international journey to a close without the coveted World Cup trophy.

Meanwhile, Norway celebrated a landmark achievement as Haaland's clinical performance carried the Scandinavian nation into uncharted territory. They will now face England in the quarterfinals.

England booked their place after defeating co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession during the first half before Julián Quiñones reduced the deficit for Mexico.

England's challenge became more difficult early in the second half when defender Jarell Quansah received a straight red card for a dangerous studs-up tackle, forcing his side to play with ten men.

Harry Kane restored England's two-goal advantage from the penalty spot before later conceding a penalty that Raúl Jiménez converted for Mexico. Despite relentless late pressure from the hosts, England held firm to secure victory and set up a quarterfinal clash against an inspired Norwegian side.

With Neymar's farewell and Norway's historic breakthrough, the Round of 16 delivered one of the most memorable days of the FIFA World Cup 2026, signalling the end of an era for Brazilian football while opening a new chapter for one of Europe's emerging footballing nations.