Brazilian star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending his 16-year career with the Seleção.
Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time after Erling Haaland scored twice, with Andreas Schjelderup providing both assists. Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 100th minute after a VAR review ruled that Leo Østigård had elbowed Casemiro, but Brazil could not avoid elimination. Norway will face either England or Mexico in the quarter-finals, while Haaland’s seven goals have drawn him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race.
An emotional Neymar broke down in tears after the final whistle before confirming his decision to retire from international football.
“I tried. I tried. It started here at MetLife Stadium and I finished here. It is now over,” he said.
Neymar made his Brazil debut at MetLife Stadium in 2010 and scored in his final appearance at the same venue. He retires as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer after 130 international appearances, while Brazil’s elimination marks their earliest World Cup exit since 1990 despite Carlo Ancelotti’s first tournament in charge.
