Neymar has said his international career with Brazil is “over” following the team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16.
The 34-year-old came on as a 67th-minute substitute with Brazil already trailing 2-0 but was unable to prevent the five-time world champions from exiting the tournament.
He scored a penalty deep into stoppage time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but the goal proved only a consolation.
Speaking to TV Globo after the match, Neymar suggested he had made his final appearance for Brazil.
“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here.”
Final World Cup appearance
Neymar returned to Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup after missing international action since 2023 because of injury.
He made his first appearance at the tournament as a late substitute in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in the final group-stage match before featuring again against Norway in the knockout stage.
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The tournament marked Neymar’s fourth FIFA World Cup, having also represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
Record-breaking Brazil career
Neymar’s international career began at the same venue where it appears to have ended. He made his Brazil debut at MetLife Stadium in August 2010, scoring in a 2-0 friendly victory over the United States.
Since then, he has become Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals. His 130 international appearances rank second in the country’s history behind Cafu, who made 142 appearances.
If Neymar’s comments mark the end of his international career, he will leave as one of the most decorated players to represent Brazil, with four World Cup appearances and the national team’s all-time scoring record.
