The Brazilian national team faced yet another setback against European sides in the World Cup knockout stages, exiting the 2026 tournament after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, extending a negative streak that has lasted over two decades.
Brazil's last victory over a European team in the World Cup knockout stages dates back to the 2002 final, where they triumphed over Germany to claim their fifth world title. Since then, the 'Seleção' has failed to secure a win against European nations in elimination matches.
In the 2006 World Cup, Brazil defeated Ghana in the Round of 16 but was eliminated by France in the quarter-finals. The same scenario played out in 2010, as they overcame Chile only to lose to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.
During the 2014 World Cup hosted by Brazil, the team managed to get past Chile and Colombia but suffered a historic defeat to Germany in the semi-finals, followed by another loss to the Netherlands in the third-place playoff. In the 2018 edition, Brazil eliminated Mexico in the Round of 16 but bowed out to Belgium in the quarter-finals.
In the 2022 World Cup, Brazil secured a significant win against South Korea in the Round of 16 but fell to Croatia in the quarter-finals. In the ongoing 2026 tournament, the team advanced past Japan in the Round of 32, only to see their journey end with a loss to Norway in the Round of 16.
