Cafu urges Brazil to move on after Norway exit

Cafu has called on Brazil to hold their heads up after a painful 2-1 defeat by Norway knocked them out of the 2026 World Cup in the last 16.

The former Brazil captain, who lifted the trophy in 2002, said the loss had caused deep pain for millions of supporters who expected another title chase and a sixth star on the shirt. He drew on his own experiences of defeat in 1998 and 2006, saying one setback does not define the future.

"Losing in 1998 did not make us champions in 2002, and winning in 2002 did not make us champions in 2006," he wrote on social media.

Cafu also said World Cup results are shaped by more than luck, pointing to preparation, technical details and mental strength. Even so, he backed Brazil to recover and said the team would go forward "with our heads held high".

Brazil's exit is a heavy one in historical terms as well. Since 1990, they had not gone out before the quarter-finals, but Norway ended that run with a victory that included two goals from Erling Haaland.