The 2026 World Cup already has its first major upset. Norway, led by an unstoppable Erling Haaland, eliminated Brazil in the round of 16 and left the Canarinha without a chance of glory for 28 years. The last time Brazil lifted the trophy was in 2002; since then, six consecutive eliminations against European teams. The world press held nothing back.
In Brazil, the newspaper O Globo described the performance as the «Worst World Cup in 36 years,» recalling the round-of-16 elimination at Italia 1990 against Argentina. GE Globo headlined «Now, it’s time to row,» pointing directly at Neymar, who came on in the second half with the match 0-0 and missed a key penalty. The No. 10 eventually scored from the spot, but the defeat was already sealed. According to the Brazilian press, Neymar became the second player to play in four World Cups without winning a title, matching Thiago Silva’s record.
Lance! was more graphic: «A passive Brazil watches the passage of comet Haaland and surrenders to him.» UOL declared: «The dream is over» and «Norway lowers Brazil’s status.» In player ratings, Globo highlighted the poor performances of Gabriel Magalhães (4.5), Bruno Guimarães (4), and Endrick (4).
The international press also bowed to Haaland. In Norway, VG headlined «Haaland crushed Brazil.» In Spain, MARCA was blunt: «A cyborg annihilates Brazil» and «Brazil collapses with Neymar’s entry.» Diario AS pointed to Guimarães’s missed penalty as the trigger for the chaos. In Germany, Sport Bild spoke of the «Android»: «Haaland paralyzes Brazil.» L’Equipe summed up the day with «shame and tears,» while La Gazzetta dello Sport launched a «Haaland is bigger than Brazil!»
The images at the Copacabana Fan Fest were devastating. Thousands of fans who were chanting and waving green-and-yellow flags fell silent after Haaland’s second goal. Police set up a special operation for dispersal. Players like Marquinhos offered apologies; Gabriel Magalhães sat on the bench in disbelief; Vinicius Junior could not hold back tears. Neymar, heartbroken, announced his retirement from the national team.
Brazil will have to wait until 2030 to dream again. Meanwhile, the football world wonders: what will happen to Carlo Ancelotti, the highest-paid coach in CBF history? The cycle of failures and misguided decisions seems endless.
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jajaja para mi el futbol es el opio del pueblo mira vos haaland le parte el orto a brasil y el unico drama es que se va neymar el nene mimado del sistema se les acabo el verso el mundial era una pantalla para esconder la crisis noruega un pais burgues les dio catedra de humilda ojala se retiren todos que laburen de verdá
Para mí se les acabó el cuento a los brasucas, lloran como nenas. Haaland les partió el orto y Neymar, un vendido, se fue con el penal errado. Esto huele a justicia divina: la zurda de la FIFA y el amiguismo no ganan partidos. Yo creo que Noruega se lo merece, carajo!