Brazil have turned to Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti in a bid to end their long wait for a sixth FIFA World Cup title, as the South American giants look to reclaim global supremacy from Europe, reports AFP.
It has been 24 years since Brazil last lifted the World Cup in 2002, with the Selecao enduring repeated disappointments since then, including quarter-final exits in four of the last five tournaments and the painful 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany in 2014.
Now 66, Ancelotti, widely regarded as one of football’s most successful managers, has been tasked with leading Brazil into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Italian has won five UEFA Champions League titles and league trophies across Italy, England, France, Germany and Spain.
“I’m not obsessed with winning the World Cup, but I have the pleasure and passion to enjoy the moment I’m living in,” Ancelotti recently told The Guardian.
Brazil’s World Cup journey since 2002 has been turbulent. After the exit of Tite following the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Fernando Diniz and Dorival Junior had short-lived tenures, with inconsistent results in both qualifiers and Copa America 2024.
Ancelotti inherited a squad that has struggled for stability, with Brazil finishing fifth in the South American World Cup qualifiers, 10 points behind arch-rivals Argentina. Recent friendlies have produced mixed results, including defeats to Japan and France.
Despite ongoing rebuilding, Ancelotti has retained several experienced players. Eight starters from the 2022 Croatia defeat remain in the squad, while veterans such as Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes continue to anchor the midfield.
In a surprise move, Neymar has also been included despite long injury absences since 2023. The 34-year-old forward, now at Santos, is expected to play a limited role, with Vinicius Junior likely to lead Brazil’s attack alongside Raphinha and Matheus Cunha.
Defensive responsibilities will rest on Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes and PSG captain Marquinhos, both fresh from UEFA Champions League duty.
Ancelotti’s squad selection has sparked debate due to its mix of youth and experience, with an average age close to 29 and 10 players in their thirties.
Brazil, five-time World Cup champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002), begin their 2026 World Cup campaign in a group featuring Morocco, Scotland and Haiti.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has already extended Ancelotti’s contract until the 2030 World Cup, signaling long-term trust in his leadership.
“We have the most successful coach in the world. We need to make the most of him,” said CBF president Samir Xaud, adding hopes for a “new golden era” in Brazilian football.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
