Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has spoken of his team’s “extreme sadness” following their 2-1 Round of 16 defeat to Norway, which eliminated the five-time champions from the 2026 World Cup. Erling Haaland struck twice late in the game before Neymar pulled one back with a late penalty.
Despite the loss, Ancelotti insisted: “I think that in today’s match we deserved to win.” He added: “I believe that this loss is not the end, but the beginning of a new cycle.” Brazil’s wait for a sixth World Cup title now stretches to 28 years.
Key Points:
Ancelotti believes Brazil deserved to win despite the defeat
Brazil’s 28-year wait for a sixth World Cup title continues
The manager frames the loss as the start of a new cycle
Neymar’s retirement adds to the sense of an era ending
Ancelotti faces questions over his future as Brazil coach
Brazil must now rebuild. Norway advance to face England in the quarter-finals.
Sources: Carlo Ancelotti (post-match interview)
