Former full-back Branco, world champion in 1994 and current coordinator of the youth categories of Seleção Brasileira, reaffirmed his confidence in Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brasil in the next Copa of Mundo. In an interview when launching the squad list, Branco emphasized that the Italian coach has the necessary experience to assemble a balanced squad aiming for the title in 2026.
Branco recognized the natural anxiety that surrounds the call-up process for an Copa from Mundo, especially for those who have already won the competition. “I know what this is. Ansiedade, butterflies in the stomach, even more so for Copa of Mundo, which marks the athlete, even more so if he is a champion”, revealed the coordinator during the event at Museu of Amanhã.
Ancelotti has experience in Copas, says Branco
The former defender highlighted that this will be the first Copa as head coach of Ancelotti, although the Italian participated in a final of the competition as an assistant to Arrigo Sacchi in 1994, precisely when Brasil won the title. “Ancelotti’s first Copa as a coach. Já did one as an assistant to Sacchi in ’94, the final against us”, recalled Branco.
Branco’s confidence in the coach’s work is based on Ancelotti’s trajectory in European football and his achievements at clubs with great tradition. The Italian renewed his contract with the confederation until 2030 and has already signaled that the squad list is practically closed.
Importância putting together a strong group
When asked about specific issues regarding the call-up, including Neymar’s possible participation, Branco avoided direct comments about individual players and preferred to focus on the general strategy. “Ancelotti, based on his experience, knows what he’s going to do. Não I have doubts about that”, stated the former full-back with confidence.
Branco’s central message was the importance of collective cast building. The coordinator emphasized that an Copa of Mundo cannot be won only with isolated individuals, but with a well-articulated and tactically prepared group.
“The important thing is to put together a strong group, because you can’t win Copa with just one or two players”, said Branco. Essa’s speech reinforces Ancelotti’s speech about the need for balance between sectors of the team.
Brasil maintains favorite status
Branco also commented on the expectations surrounding Seleção Brasileira for the next World Cup. Observando the number of fans who attend the call-up events, the former player reiterated that Brasil remains one of the main forces in world football.
“See how many people are here to call for Brasil. Brasil is very strong; they respect Brasil, who will always be the favorite”, declared Branco during an interview at the Rio museum. Essa statement reflects the historical confidence of Brazilian fans and the confederation’s structures in international competitions.
Seleção Brasileira continues in the process of preparing for the next qualifying matches of the Eliminatórias Sul-Americanas and then for the Copa of the 2026 Mundo, which will be played in the Estados Unidos, Canadá and México.
Pré-list and final selection
Ancelotti’s list for Copa still includes six pre-call athletes who have not yet received official calls from the coach. Esses names remain under observation for possible final adjustments depending on performance in the coming months of competition.
The criteria for the final choice involve:
- Desempenho in European and South American clubs
- Condição physical and lack of serious injuries
- Adaptação tactics to Ancelotti gaming system
- Experiência in international competitions
- Equilíbrio between veterans and young promises
