EAST RUTHERFORD: Brazil forward Neymar announced his retirement from international football after Brazil was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Norway in the Round of 16.
Norway advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time after defeating five-time champion Brazil at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Erling Haaland scored both of Norway’s goals, finding the net in the 79th and 90th minutes. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty for Brazil’s lone goal, but the late strike was not enough to keep his team in the tournament.
Following the final whistle, an emotional Neymar broke down in tears before confirming that he was ending his international career.
According to foreign media reports, the 34-year-old told Brazilian reporters after the match, “I gave everything I had. It all started here in this stadium, and it ends here. Now it’s over.”
Neymar made his Brazil debut on Aug. 10, 2010, in a friendly against the United States at the same stadium in East Rutherford.
He retires as Brazil’s all-time leading men’s international scorer with 80 goals, surpassing Brazilian great Pelé by three goals.