The Haunting Trend Plaguing Brazil Since Their Last World Cup Triumph

Brazil has never defeated their current opponent, Norway, in their four previous encounters (two draws and two losses). However, there's an even more concerning trend for the five-time world champions ahead of their Round of 16 clash at the 2026 World Cup.

Since their World Cup triumph in 2002, the Brazilians haven't beaten a single European opponent in the knockout stages of the tournament. In fact, all five teams that have eliminated the "Seleção" from the World Cup since then have been from the Old Continent. This negative streak began in the quarterfinals of the 2006 World Cup when France dethroned Brazil on their way to the final. Four years later, the Netherlands knocked out the "Canarinha" at the same stage, also reaching the final. During their home World Cup in 2014, Brazil first suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat to eventual champions Germany in the semifinals, and then again lost to the "Oranje" in the third-place playoff. This was followed by two consecutive quarterfinal exits against other European teams – Belgium in 2018 and Croatia in 2022, both of whom went on to win bronze medals.

Conversely, during the same period, the Brazilians have been flawless against South American and Asian opponents in the knockout rounds. Since 2006, they have eliminated Ghana, Chile (twice), Colombia, Mexico, South Korea, and Japan, whom they knocked out earlier this week.