Ancelotti takes charge of Brazil squad
Carlo Ancelotti was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Brazil national football team, tasked with revitalizing the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The former Real Madrid manager replaces Dorival Junior, who was dismissed after a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Argentina in March. Brazil currently sits in fourth place in the South American World Cup qualifiers, with the top six teams earning direct qualification.
Ancelotti's debut will come in June during World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, and he has already announced his first squad. Notably, he has excluded Neymar due to injury while welcoming back veterans like Casemiro and Richarlison, alongside introducing promising young talent such as Estêvão.
The 65-year-old Italian coach is the first foreign manager to lead the Seleção and expressed his pride in taking on this challenge, highlighting his admiration for Brazilian football. Ancelotti aims to create a positive team environment and is committed to adapting culturally by learning Portuguese and immersing himself in Brazil's football culture. He is known for fostering strong relationships with players and is focused on maximizing the potential of stars like Vinícius Júnior.
With Brazil's recent struggles, including five losses in their last 14 matches and a quarter-final exit from the 2022 World Cup, Ancelotti's appointment is seen as a crucial step in restoring the team's glory. He emphasized the importance of public support to boost team morale and expressed confidence in his squad's motivation to achieve victories. Ancelotti's mission is clear: to lead Brazil to their sixth World Cup title and reclaim their status as a footballing powerhouse.
