Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreak on Sunday as Neymar broke down in tears after the final whistle following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, with teammates and members of the coaching staff rushing to console the veteran forward.

The five-time world champions dominated spells of the contest but failed to make their chances count. Their biggest opportunity came in the first half when Brazil were awarded a penalty after a VAR review, only for goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to brilliantly save Bruno Guimarães' spot-kick and keep the scores level.

Norway gradually grew into the contest after the break and found the breakthrough in the 78th minute. Andreas Schjelderup produced a surging run down the left before delivering a pinpoint cross for Erling Haaland, who rose highest to power a header past Alisson. The Manchester City striker then sealed the result in the 90th minute with a thunderous strike from outside the box, completing his brace and sending the Norway fans into celebration.

Brazil pushed desperately for a way back, with Vinícius Júnior creating chances and youngster Endrick missing a golden one-on-one opportunity earlier in the second half. Casemiro also flashed a dangerous cross across the face of goal, while Nyland produced another outstanding save late on to prevent an unfortunate own goal by Kristoffer Ajer.

Neymar pulled one back deep into stoppage time, calmly converting a penalty after Brazil were awarded a second spot-kick. However, the goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation as the referee blew for full-time moments later.

As the final whistle sounded, Neymar fell to the turf in tears before being embraced by teammates, reflecting the pain of another World Cup disappointment for Brazil. The defeat marked Brazil's earliest exit from the tournament since 1990 and ended their streak of reaching at least the quarterfinals in each of the previous eight World Cups.

For Norway, it was a historic night. Haaland's match-winning brace sent the Scandinavian nation into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time, while also extending his remarkable run to 27 goals in his last 14 competitive internationals. Norway will now face the winner of the Mexico-England Round of 16 clash with a place in the semifinals at stake.