Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey ended after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. Soon after the match, Neymar announced his retirement from international football. The veteran forward gave an emotional speech and said MetLife Stadium was where his Brazil journey began and ended. Neymar scored a late penalty in stoppage time, which became his final goal for Brazil. Norway secured a historic win with two goals from Erling Haaland after the break. The victory sent Norway into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Brazil failed to reach the last eight for the first time since 1990.

Erling Haaland's outstanding performances at the FIFA World Cup have once again highlighted the relentless work behind his success. The Norway striker, often called a "Viking machine," follows a disciplined routine built around quality sleep, intense training, recovery and a carefully managed diet. Coaches and fitness experts credit his physical strength, speed and consistency to years of preparation rather than natural talent alone. Haaland's commitment has helped Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals, where he remains one of the tournament's biggest stars. His remarkable rise continues to set new standards for modern footballers around the world. (PC: NDTV)

Brazil's all-time leading scorer Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following the team's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. The 34-year-old, who returned from injury during the tournament, scored a late penalty after coming on as a substitute but could not prevent Brazil's elimination. "I tried. It started here... and I finished here. It is now over," Neymar said after the match. Injuries limited him to two appearances at the World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable international career that began in 2010. (PC: Al Jazeera)

FIFA has cleared United States forward Folarin Balogun to play in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after suspending his automatic one-match ban following a successful appeal. The decision came after US President Donald Trump confirmed he had spoken with FIFA President Gianni Infantino about Balogun's red-card suspension, saying he wanted to understand the disciplinary process. FIFA said the suspension was placed on probation for one year under its disciplinary regulations. The ruling has drawn criticism from Belgium and Norway, with officials questioning the decision and warning it could undermine confidence in the tournament's disciplinary process.  

England captain Harry Kane admitted "my voice has gone" after celebrating his side's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium. Kane scored a crucial penalty as England held on despite playing with 10 men following Jarell Quansah's red card. Jude Bellingham struck twice before Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a series of vital saves to secure the victory. "It was a crazy game. We had to fight... we found a way," Kane said after England booked a quarter-final clash with Norway.  

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti defended his decision to let Bruno Guimaraes take a crucial penalty during the team's 2-1 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Norway. Guimaraes missed the spot-kick, sparking criticism as Vinicius Jr, Brazil’s top scorer at the tournament, did not take it. After the match, Ancelotti said Vinicius is “not even in the top five” penalty takers when the full squad is available. He explained that the decision was based on statistics and a pre-planned penalty order. Brazil’s defeat ended their 2026 World Cup campaign in the last 16. (PC: NDTV)

Brazil star Neymar has announced his retirement from international football following his country's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 34-year-old ended his Brazil career as the nation's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances. Neymar came off the bench and scored a late penalty in his final match, but it was not enough to prevent Brazil's elimination. Speaking after the game, an emotional Neymar said, "I tried, I tried. Now it's over." He will continue playing club football with Santos while Brazil begin a new era under Carlo Ancelotti.  

Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 to book a quarter-final place and extend their unbeaten record against the South American giants. Erling Haaland scored twice in the final 11 minutes after goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland saved a first-half penalty from Bruno Guimarães. Neymar pulled one back from the spot deep into stoppage time, but Brazil could not complete the comeback. The defeat marks Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990. Norway remain the only national team Brazil have never beaten, with three wins and two draws in five meetings. (PC: NDTV)

England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. The last-16 match was delayed by an hour because of severe weather before Jude Bellingham scored twice in just 98 seconds to put England ahead. Julian Quiñones reduced the deficit before half-time, while Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half. Harry Kane converted a penalty to restore England's lead after Anthony Gordon was fouled. Raúl Jiménez scored from the spot for Mexico, but England held firm with 10 men to seal a dramatic win and set up a quarter-final clash with Norway. (PC: X)

Five-time champions Brazil take on Norway in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, enter the match after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Japan, while Norway edged Ivory Coast 2-1 thanks to Erling Haaland's late winner. Neymar is available again after recovering from injury, adding experience to Brazil's attack led by Vinicius Jr. Norway will rely on Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa as they aim to upset the South American giants and reach the last eight. (PC: X/FIFAWorldcup)