Brazil’s World Cup Campaign Revitalized by Carlo Ancelotti, Says Goalkeeper Alisson

Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti assumed the Brazil head-coach role in May 2025, becoming the first foreign coach to lead the Seleção into a World Cup. Players quickly noted a shift toward a calmer, work-focused environment, which Alisson Becker described as “strong” and “calm.”

Alisson: Carlo Ancelotti Has 'Transformed' Brazil After 'Very Difficult Period'Alisson Praises Ancelotti's Impact on Brazil Ahead of WC OpenerESPNAlisson explains how Carlo Ancelotti has 'transformed' Brazil national team after 'very difficult period'

Prior to Ancelotti’s arrival, Brazil’s qualification campaign was described as “uncharacteristically shaky.” The five-time champions had exited at the quarter-final stage in both 2018 and 2022 and had not won the title since 2002, prompting a high-profile coaching change.

Alisson: Carlo Ancelotti Has 'Transformed' Brazil After 'Very Difficult Period'

Ancelotti brings league titles in Italy, England, Spain and France and multiple Champions League crowns. Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, prepares for his third World Cup, joining legends Taffarel and Gilmar. Claudio Taffarel, a 1994 World Cup winner, serves as Brazil’s goalkeeper coach, linking past success to the present squad.

Alisson Praises Ancelotti's Impact on Brazil Ahead of WC Opener

• May 2025 – Ancelotti appointed.

Alisson: Carlo Ancelotti Has 'Transformed' Brazil After 'Very Difficult Period'

• June 2025 – First training camp in Basking Ridge, NJ.

Alisson: Carlo Ancelotti Has 'Transformed' Brazil After 'Very Difficult Period'

• 14 June 2026 – Opener vs Morocco (MetLife Stadium).

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• 20 June 2026 – vs Haiti (Philadelphia).

Alisson explains how Carlo Ancelotti has 'transformed' Brazil national team after 'very difficult period'

• 24 June 2026 – vs Scotland (Miami).

Alisson explains how Carlo Ancelotti has 'transformed' Brazil national team after 'very difficult period'

Alisson Becker said Ancelotti’s arrival “transformed” the squad’s atmosphere, creating a calm, work-focused setting. He praised the manager’s resilience, humility and communication intelligence, noting they complement Brazil’s style. The goalkeeper likened the coach’s pressure to that of a national president, reflecting heightened expectations.

Alisson: Carlo Ancelotti Has 'Transformed' Brazil After 'Very Difficult Period'

• “Since [Carlo] Ancelotti's arrival, the atmosphere has been transformed,” — Alisson Becker, Brazil goalkeeper

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• “He has a commanding presence and fosters a sense of calm, an environment focused on the work at hand, free from controversy or other distractions.” — Alisson Becker, Brazil goalkeeper

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• “He's a true winner; it really shows. I think you can see it in his expression and players notice it too. The guy has won everything in football, yet here he is with the Brazilian national team, full of joy and enthusiasm,” — Alisson Becker, Brazil goalkeeper

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• “His position perhaps has more pressure than being the president of the country, in its levels,” — Alisson Becker, Brazil goalkeeper

Alisson Praises Ancelotti's Impact on Brazil Ahead of WC Opener

Ancelotti’s appointment marks the first time a foreign coach has led Brazil at a World Cup, introducing a new tactical perspective. Alisson Becker highlighted a reported improvement in team morale and focus under Ancelotti. Brazil remains a five-time champion and a tournament favorite, though previous quarter-final eliminations in 2018 and 2022 show that cohesion alone has not secured a title since 2002.

Alisson: Carlo Ancelotti Has 'Transformed' Brazil After 'Very Difficult Period'ESPNAlisson Praises Ancelotti's Impact on Brazil Ahead of WC OpenerAlisson explains how Carlo Ancelotti has 'transformed' Brazil national team after 'very difficult period'

Brazil opens Group C on 14 June 2026 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, followed by Haiti on 20 June in Philadelphia and Scotland on 24 June in Miami. The team enters as a favorite, yet Alisson has warned that expectations add pressure and do not assure victory.

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