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Brazil's World Cup 2026 exit sparks crisis: Media laments 'worst in 36 years' as coach's future questioned
🇦🇷 Argentina /Sports

Brazil's World Cup 2026 exit sparks crisis: Media laments 'worst in 36 years' as coach's future questioned

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Brazil was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by Norway in the round of 16, extending their title drought to at least 28 years.
  • The loss has sparked widespread criticism and disappointment in Brazil, with media outlets labeling it one of the team's worst World Cup performances in decades.
  • Questions are being raised about the future of coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose high salary is now under scrutiny following the team's early exit.

Brazil's elimination from the 2026 World Cup by Norway in the round of 90 minutes has plunged the nation into despair, extending their championship drought to at least 28 years until 2030. This marks the team's worst World Cup performance since their first victory in 1958, according to major Brazilian news portals.

Now, it's time to row.

— GE GloboHeadline reflecting the mood after Brazil's World Cup elimination.

The Fan Fest on Copacabana Beach, which had gathered thousands of fans, fell silent as Erling Haaland scored Norway's second goal, sealing Brazil's fate. Tears flowed freely, and the crowd displayed a mix of anger and resignation. Security presence was visibly increased following the decisive goal.

Local and international media have reacted strongly to the shocking result. O Globo described it as "The Worst World Cup in 36 years," referencing the 1990 elimination by Argentina. The article also noted Brazil's streak of six consecutive eliminations by European teams since their last title in 2002, including losses to France (2006), the Netherlands (2010), Germany (2014), Belgium (2018), and Croatia (2022).

The worst World Cup in 36 years.

— O GloboDescribing Brazil's performance and early exit from the tournament.

Media outlets are diagnosing the persistent failures, pointing to "a cycle of negative results and misguided decisions by the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation)." Attention has turned to coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose contract was recently renewed. His position is now questioned, especially given that he is the highest-paid coach in the history of the Brazilian national team. GE Globo's headline, "Now, it's time to row," captures the somber mood, while also highlighting Neymar's situation as the second Brazilian player to participate in four World Cups without winning a title, a distinction previously held only by Thiago Silva.

A passive Brazil watches the passage of the comet Haaland and surrenders to him.

— Lance!Criticizing Brazil's performance against Norway.

Lance! offered a critical take, titling their report: "A passive Brazil watches the passage of the Haaland comet and surrenders to him." UOL was more direct, with headlines stating, "The dream has ended" and "Norway lowers Brazil's status." Player ratings in Globo singled out Gabriel Magalhães and Bruno Guimarães for poor performances, with Magalhães noted for a misstep in his duel with Haaland, and Guimarães for his worst match of the tournament, including a missed penalty.

The dream has ended.

— UOLReporting on Brazil's World Cup elimination.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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