Erling Haaland scored both of Norway's goals at MetLife Stadium to book their place in the quarter-finals. Bruno Guimaraes had an early penalty saved before Neymar converted a late spot-kick, but it proved to be only a consolation as Brazil suffered their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

Ancelotti, who took charge in May last year and recently signed a contract extension until 2030, admits the defeat was a major disappointment but made it clear he remains committed to leading Brazil into a new era.

"A defeat is the start of a new adventure. Now we need to keep working hard and keep improving," Ancelotti says.

"This is football. This is sport. You just have to deal with it. We will use this as fuel going forward."

The Brazilian Football Confederation spent almost two years trying to appoint Ancelotti before finally securing his services after a turbulent spell that saw Tite, Fernando Diniz and Dorival Junior all leave the role. Although he guided Brazil to the World Cup after they finished fifth in South American qualifying, the campaign ended far earlier than many expected.

The result also extended Brazil's poor recent record against European teams in the World Cup knockout stages. Since winning the trophy in 2002, the five-time world champions have failed to overcome European opposition in the latter rounds, including the unforgettable 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany on home soil in 2014.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, who was one of Brazil's brightest performers during the tournament, admits the elimination was difficult to accept.

"Being knocked out of a World Cup is always a huge blow," he says. "But now we have to move on, there's not much we can do."

Despite the defeat, Ancelotti believes Brazil have shown encouraging signs after progressing through the group stage and defeating Japan in the previous round.

"I don't think we have had a spectacular World Cup but we had a good one," he says.

The Italian also acknowledges Brazil must begin building for the future after relying on an ageing squad that included 10 players in their thirties. His decision to recall Neymar after a lengthy injury absence did not have the desired impact, with the veteran making only two substitute appearances before announcing his retirement from international football.

"We need fresh talent, top-class players who can play in the national team of the future," Ancelotti adds.

Nineteen-year-old Real Madrid forward Endrick is expected to play a key role in Brazil's rebuilding process as attention turns to the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup.

The Brazilian Football Confederation also backed Ancelotti and the squad despite the painful defeat.

"The history of the Brazilian national team has been marked by great achievements, but also by moments that have strengthened us going forward," the CBF said in a statement.

"Today we say goodbye to the World Cup, but we are sure that we will come back stronger."

Kermit Erasmus: A key player as Orlando Pirates eye Nedbank Cup glory