Brazil's World Cup squad refused to travel home as a team after being eliminated from the tournament by Norway in the Round of 16. The five-time champions suffered a 2-1 defeat, with two goals from Erling Haaland in the final 10 minutes securing Norway's first-ever quarter-final appearance. Neymar scored a consolation penalty in stoppage time.
Earliest Exit in 36 Years
This was Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990, and they have only advanced beyond the quarter-finals once since winning the trophy in 2002. The defeat has raised questions about manager Carlo Ancelotti's future, with Pep Guardiola reportedly linked to the role.
Squad Splits After Defeat
According to reports in Brazil, only one member of the 26-man squad—veteran full-back Danilo—chose to board the Brazilian Football Confederation's arranged flight from New Jersey back to Rio de Janeiro. The 34-year-old was joined by staff from the medical and security departments and teenage training goalkeeper Leo Nannetti.
Other players went their separate ways: Neymar took his family to Orlando, Vinicius Junior flew to Ibiza, and Ancelotti traveled to Vancouver, where he owns a home with his wife.
Ancelotti Calls for Reaction
Ancelotti addressed his future, saying: "What I say is that we continue to do our jobs and look for new ideas. It's the same thing we did this year. This was a great group, and I have to thank my players; they worked really hard. I don't think we deserved to lose, but we have to accept it. That is football for you. We are going to take this defeat and use it as fuel for the new cycle."
Norway will now face England in Miami on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.
