Vinícius and Brazil, the big disappointment of the 2026 World Cup: knocked out by Norway in the last 16
Brazil arrived at the 2026 World Cup as one of the favourites, but their tournament faded early: they lost 2-1 to Norway in the round of 16, in one of the championship's biggest shocks. Neither Vinícius Júnior nor the rest of the stars could prevent an early exit that leaves the Canarinha with many questions. We analyse the Brazilian failure.
Brazil always arrive at a World Cup with the favourites' tag, and 2026 was no exception. With Vinícius Júnior as their big star and a squad full of talent, the Canarinha aimed to end the title drought they have carried since 2002. But their tournament faded far earlier than expected.
The blow came in the round of 16, at the hands of one of the championship's revelations: Norway. The Scandinavians, with an unstoppable Erling Haaland, knocked Brazil out 2-1 in one of the World Cup's biggest upsets. The Canarinha, who had topped their group, crashed into an intense, efficient opponent just as the important stage began.
Neither Vinícius, nor Raphinha, nor the rest of the stars could change the script. Brazil left the impression of a team with enormous individual talent but without the collective solidity needed to go far in such a demanding tournament. The exit reopened the eternal debate about the Seleção's direction.
The 2026 failure adds to a worrying run for football's greatest historic power: Brazil still have not lifted the World Cup for more than two decades. Rebuilding, once again, will be the big topic in Brazil. See Brazil's profile and the tournament's overall standings on our site.