Romário blasts Endrick and demands Ancelotti’s dismissal after World Cup exit
Brazil’s elimination by Norway in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup still stings. And Romário is not willing to swallow the result in silence. The 1994 world champion took his revenge on Endrick and Carlo Ancelotti, making it clear that, in his view, there is no excuse to justify the fiasco at MetLife Stadium.
The goal that turned into a nightmare
The 2-1 scoreline for the Norwegians was built on a brace from Erling Haaland, but what bothers part of the Brazilian support most is what didn’t happen. In the 58th minute, Endrick had the chance to equalise at his feet. He put it wide. A clear opportunity, wasted on an afternoon when Brazil needed a miracle.
Romário was not gentle. “A lot of people say: ‘Oh, but he’s young’. To hell with being young, he had to score that damned goal. Young, mediocre, old, it makes no difference,” fired the former number 11. He then added: “When that opportunity comes, you have to be focused to score, because it’s the decisive ball, the one that defines the game. I like him, I think he’ll bring us joy, but he was awful.”
Ancelotti in the crosshairs – and with a renewed contract
Romário’s fury did not stop at the striker. Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti was the second target – and the most scathing. “There is no way Ancelotti can continue as Brazil’s coach after this fiasco, this disgrace he caused. I would terminate the contract and tell him to sue me,” said the former forward.
The problem is that the CBF has apparently already decided otherwise. According to available information, Ancelotti reached an agreement to renew his deal and stay in the job until 2030. The Rio idol’s statement therefore runs directly counter to what the federation intends. This clash between public opinion and institutional decision promises to heat up the debate in the coming months.
Brazil looks ahead without Neymar
The Seleção has faced painful eliminations before – 2014 still haunts them. This time, the exit in the round of 16 leaves an even bigger void because it also marks the end of a cycle. Neymar, who has 268 appearances for the national team across two spells, with 153 goals and six titles won, including the 2011 Copa Libertadores with Santos, will not be present in the next rebuilding window.
Norway, for their part, advance to the quarter-finals and face England. Haaland already has two goals in the tournament. Brazil, once again, are left out of the decisive stretch and begin to discuss who will have the courage to build the next generation. With or without Ancelotti.
