England have watched one of the tournament’s biggest threats fall, as Brazil crashed out of the 2026 World Cup with a last-16 defeat to Norway. Germany legend Lothar Matthaus wasted no time, admitting he was glad to see them go and accusing Neymar of putting his ego above the team’s success. For the Three Lions, the shock exit reshapes the race for the trophy.
What Brazil’s exit means for England
Brazil’s elimination removes a historic favourite from the draw and theoretically eases England’s path toward the latter stages of the 2026 World Cup. Beaten by Norway in the last 16, Carlo Ancelotti’s side leave the tournament earlier than expected, taking a major obstacle out of the half of the bracket the Three Lions would have feared on a deep run.
For Tuchel’s England, every heavyweight that falls changes the projected route to the final. One less side of Brazil’s calibre is one less hurdle, though the camp knows Norway — the team that dumped out Brazil — have proven no fixture is won on paper.
Matthaus rips into Neymar over ‘ego’
Lothar Matthaus pulled no punches in his Sky Germany column, writing: ‘It pleases me that Brazil are out. I simply can’t stand this moaning and gesticulating anymore.’ He aimed his sharpest words at Neymar, accusing the forward of putting his own ego above the team’s success during the defeat.
The row plays into the team-first message England have pushed under Thomas Tuchel. The Brazil cautionary tale reinforces the point that at the 2026 World Cup, squad balance and mentality can matter as much as individual star power.
FAQ
Why are Brazil out of the 2026 World Cup?
Brazil were beaten by Norway in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, ending Carlo Ancelotti’s campaign earlier than expected.
What did Lothar Matthaus say about Neymar?
In his Sky Germany column, Matthaus said he was glad Brazil were out and accused Neymar of putting his ego above the team’s success.
How does Brazil’s exit affect England?
The fall of a historic favourite like Brazil potentially clears England’s side of the draw and reshapes the pecking order of title contenders.
Can England capitalise on these upsets to go far?
Every eliminated heavyweight means fewer elite obstacles, but England must deliver on the pitch, with Norway proving that shocks are always possible.
How are England doing at the 2026 World Cup?
England are pushing on with the aim of ending their long wait for a World Cup, with the bracket reshaped by Brazil’s early exit.
🏆 AI Analysis – World Cup 2026
Mysports AI uses advanced data models to deliver the best odds, dark horse analysis and betting tips.
Get predictions