Brazilian star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football after Brazil’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the pre-quarter-final.
The five-time world champions were knocked out after Norway secured a place in the quarter-finals with a historic victory in New Jersey.
Erling Haaland scored both goals for Norway, opening the scoring in the 79th minute before adding a second in the 90th minute. Neymar pulled one back for Brazil with a penalty in stoppage time, but it was not enough to prevent his side’s exit from the tournament.
The result marked Norway’s first-ever qualification for the World Cup quarter-finals, while bringing Brazil’s campaign to an end.
Following the defeat, an emotional Neymar announced his retirement from international football. According to foreign media reports, he said he had given everything for his country and reflected on the significance of ending his international career at the same stadium where it had begun.
“I gave my all. It all started here in this stadium, and I have ended it here. Now it is all over,” Neymar said after the match.
The 34-year-old made his Brazil debut on August 10, 2010, in a friendly against the United States at the stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Neymar retires as Brazil’s all-time leading international goalscorer with 80 goals, finishing three goals ahead of legendary forward Pelé.
