Carlo Ancelotti has wasted no time in adapting to his role as Brazil coach and will guide the 5-time world champions to the World Cup in 2026.
The Italian became the first foreigner to take charge of the Brazilians at a World Cup in Brazil’s history after he had previously agreed to take the role from 2025. Ancelotti has clearly understood the media attention that he will receive, and the first step for the former AC Milan and Real Madrid boss has been to adapt to Brazilian life. The 66-year-old is even having four Portuguese lessons a week to prepare.
Ancelotti’s approach is pleasing people. According to Portuguese teacher Roberto Piantino, he frequently asked for extra lessons and would be taking weekend classes with the teacher so he could learn as fast as possible.
Results are promising too as he prepares to lead the nation. The South Americans thumped Panama 6-2 in their penultimate pre-World Cup friendly as goals from Vinicius Jr, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Danilo, Igor Thiago and Bournemouth forward Rayan made it a good outing.
Although results have been somewhat patchy during his tenure, Ancelotti has won over the majority of the nation and is more popular with fans than unpopular, according to a recent poll, leading the CBF to offer him an extension until 2030 prior to the competition itself.
Ancelotti feels he has the right players to end Brazil’s 24-year drought and named Vinicius Jr and Raphinha among the world’s two best players.
Ancelotti will attempt to bring a 6th World Cup title to Brazil and return the Selecao to the world’s elite.
