NEYMAR EXITS THE WORLD CUP
Norway caused one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.
The match at New York New Jersey Stadium looked set for extra time after a tense, goalless first half. Brazil created the better chances and received an excellent opportunity midway through the second half when Kristoffer Ajer fouled Matheus Cunha in the box. However, goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland produced a brilliant save to deny Bruno Guimarães from the penalty spot, a moment that proved decisive.
Erling Haaland then took centre stage. The prolific striker broke the deadlock in the 79th minute before sealing a famous victory with a clinical second goal ten minutes later, stunning the Brazilian supporters and taking his tournament tally to seven goals.
Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it came too late to spark a comeback.
Norway’s victory secured their place in the World Cup quarterfinals, where they will meet England, while Brazil endured their earliest exit from the tournament in decades.
After the final whistle, an emotional Neymar suggested the defeat could mark the end of his international career, closing the chapter on one of football’s great international journeys.
