Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil: A Turnaround at the 2026 World Cup

Since Qatar 2022, Brazil endured four managerial changes, 95 player call-ups and a political crisis that ousted the CBF president. The upheaval left fans pessimistic and the squad unstable.

The Guardian

Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti arrived amid the chaos and restored confidence. Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos and Casemiro said they felt “more at ease” under a manager with five Champions League titles. In the round of 16, Brazil overturned a 1-0 deficit against Japan after Ancelotti’s halftime talk, with Casemiro equalising and Gabriel Martinelli scoring the stoppage-time winner.

The Guardian

Ancelotti left Neymar out of the starting XI, limiting the 34-year-old to 14 minutes against Scotland and none against Japan, while promoting Vinícius Júnior as the primary attacker. He also added psychologist Marisa Santiago to the staff; she advises him and works on players’ mental resilience.

The Guardian

Since 2022 Brazil have had four coaches and 95 call-ups. Since 2023 they have conceded first in 12 matches, losing seven and drawing four. Ancelotti brings five Champions League titles and preparation for over 1,400 matches.

The Guardian

Alisson called the World Cup cycle “very difficult” but said Ancelotti’s focus on work removed distractions. Marquinhos praised the coach’s ability to shift the squad’s mindset toward wellbeing. Endrick noted the “united” atmosphere, while Douglas Santos said the coach’s calm gave strength and confidence for the second half. Ancelotti confirmed Neymar is fit for a full 90 minutes, acknowledging his disappointment with limited minutes but noting his strong training.

ESPN

Social-media critics questioned Ancelotti’s suitability, citing his lack of national-team experience. He responded by naming Sir Alex Ferguson as the only manager with more match preparation and emphasizing his own 1,400-match record, rejecting claims that he is a genius or a fool.

ESPN

• “Ancelotti is an incredible man,” — Gabriel Martinelli, Brazil forward

The Guardian

• “He gave us a lot of confidence. He said we were going to equalise and then win, that we had to believe in ourselves. You can see from his body language just how calm he is. He passes that confidence on to us.” — Gabriel Martinelli

The Guardian

• “I am 100% sure I am not a genius, but at the same time, I am 100% sure I am not a fool.” — Carlo Ancelotti

ESPN

• “Only one person has prepared more matches than me: Alex Ferguson, who has prepared for over 2,000.” — Carlo Ancelotti

ESPN

• “He instilled a sense of calm in us that gave us strength, gave us energy, and the confidence to come back for the second half knowing the quality we have and that we could bring it into the game.” — Douglas Santos

ESPN

Ancelotti describes Norway as a “highly physical” side with disciplined defence and a threat from Erling Haaland, whose set-piece danger will require a collective defensive effort. The victor will meet co-host Mexico or England in the quarter-finals.

ESPN