Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, says he is determined to make history with the Selecão by becoming the first foreign-born manager to lift the FIFA World Cup.
The Italian tactician, who took charge of Brazil in May, guided the five-time world champions to secure their qualification for next year’s global tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“No foreign coach has ever won the World Cup, but there’s always a first time,” Ancelotti told reporters on Monday. “My goal is simple, to help this team reach its best and bring the trophy home.”
Ancelotti’s arrival marked a rare move for Brazil, as the country hadn’t appointed a non-Brazilian manager in six decades.
His appointment followed a turbulent period that saw three different coaches take charge after Tite’s exit following the 2022 World Cup quarter-final loss to Croatia.
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The Selecão are currently on a strong run of form, thrashing South Korea 5–0 in Seoul last week, with teenage sensation Estevão bagging a brace, while Real Madrid duo Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo also found the net.
Brazil will next face Japan in a friendly match in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Fans hailed the emphatic win as a return to the nation’s trademark “jogo bonito,” but Ancelotti believes true beauty in football comes from balance and teamwork.
“Brazilian players have the talent to play beautiful football, but beauty also means movement, understanding, and teamwork,” he explained. “That’s what we’re building…a team that plays with flair but also with purpose.”
The squad continues to prepare without Neymar, who remains sidelined with a thigh injury that could keep him out until November.
The injury has raised doubts over his chances of returning before the World Cup, but Ancelotti remains confident in the 32-year-old forward’s ability.
“If Neymar is fit, he can play in any team in the world,” the coach said firmly. “His quality isn’t in question.”
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As the countdown to the World Cup begins, Brazil’s mission under Ancelotti is clear…to restore their dominance on the global stage and, perhaps, rewrite football history.
