The Brazilian Football Confederation announced Carlo Ancelotti as the new coach of the Brazilian national team, marking the start of a new era for national football. The 65-year-old Italian leaves Real Madrid after a season of ups and downs and takes charge of the Canarinho in time to lead the team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With five Champions League titles and a career full of achievements, Ancelotti brings experience and prestige to a team aiming to reclaim global dominance. Below are some immediate responsibilities for the coach:
- Preparation for June: Lead matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in the qualifiers.
- Squad selection: Choose the lineup by May 18 for the FIFA Date.
- Player integration: Work with stars like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
- Tactical planning: Define strategies for the 2026 World Cup.
Ancelotti’s arrival, after months of negotiations, comes at a critical moment, with Brazil in fourth place in the South American qualifiers, totaling 21 points. The team faces challenges to secure a direct spot in the World Cup, and the coach will have little time to implement his philosophy.
Intense negotiations with CBF
Ancelotti’s hiring followed intense discussions between the CBF and the coach. Since Dorival Júnior’s departure in March 2025, the organization sought a high-profile name to replace the interim coach. CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues prioritized Ancelotti since 2022, when Tite left after the World Cup. Talks gained momentum after Real Madrid’s loss to Arsenal in the Champions League in April and the Copa del Rey defeat to Barcelona.
The negotiations faced hurdles, mainly due to Ancelotti’s contract with Real Madrid, valid until June 2026. The CBF sent emissaries to Europe, including businessman Diego Fernandes, who attended the Spanish club’s matches and met with the coach’s representatives. The final decision came after the clásico against Barcelona on May 11, when Real Madrid lost 4-3, ending their La Liga title hopes.
Ancelotti, initially hesitant to leave the Spanish club, accepted the Brazilian offer after assurances of tactical autonomy and logistical support. The agreement includes a contract until the end of the 2026 World Cup, with the possibility of extension. The CBF also considered other names, such as Jorge Jesus, formerly of Al Hilal, and Abel Ferreira of Palmeiras, but opted for the Italian’s international experience.
First matches under pressure
Ancelotti’s debut will be on June 5 against Ecuador in Quito, for the South American qualifiers. Brazil, with 21 points, trails Argentina (27 points), Ecuador (23), and Uruguay (22), but is ahead of Paraguay (18) and Colombia (17). The second match, against Paraguay, is on June 9 at the Maracanã, offering the coach a chance to win over fans at home.
These matches are crucial to solidify Brazil’s position in the standings. The top six teams secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh enters a playoff. Ancelotti will have less than two weeks to train the squad before the Quito match, requiring quick decisions for the lineup announcement, scheduled for May 18.
- Challenge in Quito: Face Ecuador at 2,850 meters of altitude.
- Pressure at Maracanã: Debut at home against Paraguay with high expectations.
- Direct rivals: Overcome close competitors to climb the table.
- Short preparation: Adapt the squad to the new philosophy in few sessions.
The CBF relies on Ancelotti’s experience in high-stakes competitions to navigate these early challenges. The coach is already working with performance analysts to study opponents and refine tactics.
Club experience applied to the national team
Ancelotti brings an enviable résumé, with 10 titles at Real Madrid, including two La Liga and three Champions League trophies. His stints at clubs like Milan, Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich demonstrate versatility across different leagues and cultures. For the first time, he takes on a national team, a challenge requiring adaptation to a compact schedule and less time with players.
At Real Madrid, Ancelotti was known for flexible formations like 4-3-3 and 4-4-2, emphasizing possession and offensive creativity. Players like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão, who worked with him, should ease the transition. The CBF expects the coach to implement a style blending Brazilian flair with European tactical discipline.
Ancelotti’s absence from the Club World Cup in June leaves Real Madrid under interim management, with Santi Solari as the favorite. The Spanish club is already negotiating with Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen to take over permanently in the 2025-26 season.
Relationship with Brazilian players
Ancelotti’s rapport with Brazilian players is a key asset. At Real Madrid, he built a strong bond with Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão, while closely following Endrick’s rise. These athletes, core members of the national team, expressed support for the coach’s arrival, praising his ability to maximize individual potential.
Vinícius, Brazil’s top scorer in the qualifiers with five goals, will be central to Ancelotti’s system. Rodrygo, versatile in attack, also gains prominence, while Militão strengthens the defense. Endrick, at 19, is seen as a prodigy who can shine under the Italian’s guidance. Other players, like Raphinha, Bruno Guimarães, and Gabriel Magalhães, will be evaluated in initial training sessions.
The coach plans to hold one-on-one talks with the summoned players to align expectations. The CBF has provided a support team, including psychologists and fitness trainers, to integrate the squad quickly.
Tactical adjustments and playing philosophy
Implementing a new playing style is one of Ancelotti’s priorities. Under Dorival Júnior, Brazil alternated between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 but struggled defensively, conceding 12 goals in 12 qualifier matches. Ancelotti is expected to prioritize balance across sectors, leveraging the squad’s technical quality.
In Real Madrid’s pre-season, the Italian tested three-defender formations, a potential option for away games like against Ecuador. At home, the 4-3-3 is likely to dominate, focusing on quick transitions and wing play. Possession, a hallmark of his teams, will be adapted to the fast-paced South American qualifiers.
- Defensive balance: Reduce goals conceded with tighter marking.
- Offensive explosion: Utilize Vinícius and Raphinha’s speed on the wings.
- Creative midfield: Rely on Bruno Guimarães and Paquetá for playmaking.
- Tactical flexibility: Switch formations based on the opponent.
The CBF plans preparatory friendlies in 2026 to test Ancelotti’s system before the World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Logistics and preparation for June
Ancelotti’s arrival in Brazil is scheduled for May 26, after the La Liga season ends. He lands in Rio de Janeiro for meetings with the coaching staff and to plan the squad selection. The CBF has reserved the Granja Comary training center in Teresópolis for initial sessions, focusing on fitness and team cohesion.
The logistics for the Quito match require extra care due to the altitude. The team will travel early for acclimatization, following medical protocols to minimize low-oxygenation effects. Against Paraguay at the Maracanã, the CBF expects a full house, with tickets on sale from May 20.
Ancelotti’s staff includes Brazilian assistants, such as former player Zé Roberto, who will serve as a liaison with the players. Davide Ancelotti, the coach’s son, may join the team but is negotiating offers to manage European clubs.
Fan and media expectations
Ancelotti’s hiring sparked significant buzz among fans and journalists. Social media polls show 78% approval, with emphasis on his international competition experience. Fans hope the Italian can restore the team’s confidence, shaken after eliminations in the 2024 Copa América and 2022 World Cup.
The Brazilian press highlights the choice of a foreign coach, a rare move in the team’s history. Since 1965, with Argentine Filpo Núñez, Brazil had not been led by a non-Brazilian. Ancelotti, however, is seen as an exception due to his track record of adapting to different cultures.
- Popular approval: 78% of fans support the hiring.
- Rare precedent: First foreign coach since 1965.
- Immediate pressure: Results expected in the qualifiers.
- Comparison with Tite: Outperform the former coach’s stability.
The CBF plans promotional events with Ancelotti, including press conferences and fan interactions, to bolster his image before the matches.
Role in the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup, with 48 teams, is Ancelotti’s main goal. Brazil seeks its sixth world title, after a drought since 2002. The tournament, hosted across three countries, will feature 104 matches, with the final set for July 19 in New Jersey. Brazil is among the Conmebol elite but needs to improve its qualifier performance to secure a favorable group.
Ancelotti is already analyzing potential opponents, focusing on European teams like France, England, and Spain, as well as defending champions Argentina. The CBF has invested in data analysis technology, providing the coach with detailed reports on rivals.
The coach also plans to scout young talents from the Brasileirão, such as Palmeiras’ Estevão and Flamengo’s Wesley, to refresh the squad. Blending veterans and prospects is a key strategy for 2026.
Security and adaptation in Brazil
Relocating to Brazil poses logistical and personal challenges for Ancelotti. The CBF has ensured comprehensive support, including enhanced security and a residence in Rio de Janeiro. The coach expressed concerns about the organization’s political instability but was persuaded by the sporting project and infrastructure offered.
Cultural adaptation will be aided by his experience with Brazilian players and basic Portuguese lessons started in 2024. Ancelotti plans to visit stadiums and training centers across the country to familiarize himself with local football.
- Enhanced security: Measures to protect the coach and his family.
- Rio residence: Fixed base to streamline work.
- Portuguese lessons: Basic communication skills with the team.
- Club visits: Engagement with Brasileirão coaches and players.
The CBF is also organizing workshops with Ancelotti to share his expertise with youth coaches, aiming for a long-term impact on Brazilian football.
