Brazil’s football federation has reportedly renewed its interest in appointing Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti as head coach for the 2026 World Cup, following a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
This result has left Brazil in fourth place, just above the automatic qualification line for the tournament, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Ancelotti, 65, has long been a top candidate for the job, and in 2023, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) pursued him with the ambition of making him the first foreign head coach in the country’s history.
Although the Italian manager initially turned down the offer, sources say that the CBF is once again in contact with Ancelotti as pressure grows on current coach Dorival Junior.
Reports indicate that despite Brazil’s renewed interest, Real Madrid, where Ancelotti currently manages, has denied any knowledge of talks between the CBF and the coach.
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The CBF’s president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, had previously expressed confidence that Ancelotti would take over after his contract with Madrid expired in 2024, leading up to the Copa América in June.
In an interview, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário claimed that Brazil’s pursuit of Ancelotti in 2023 was “not a fantasy.”
Ronaldo played a part in the talks with Ancelotti, but the deal fell through after Real Madrid chose to keep the manager following his Champions League victory.
“If he hadn’t won anything, Real Madrid would have fired him and Ancelotti would have come, but he won the Champions League and stayed for another year,” Ronaldo explained.
Ancelotti’s potential arrival would be a huge boost for the Selecao, given his extensive experience and the fact that many of his Real Madrid stars also play for Brazil.
