Carlo Ancelotti Eyes World Cup History With Brazil

Brazil’s quest for a sixth World Cup title has gained more momentum under Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti, who believes he can rewrite history with the Selecão.

Speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly clash with Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, Ancelotti brushed aside the notion that no foreign-born coach has ever lifted the World Cup trophy.

“My goal is to give my best for the Brazil national team, to try to get them to perform at their best and to win the World Cup,” he said. “Of course, no foreign-born coach has ever won the World Cup, but there is always a first time in life.”

The 65-year-old, who took charge in May to become Brazil’s first overseas coach in nearly sixty years, has already made an impression. Under his watch, the five-time world champions secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Brazil arrived in Japan brimming with confidence after a 5-0 demolition of South Korea in Seoul last week, a performance many fans hailed as a return to the traditional jogo bonito (the beautiful game) that once defined Brazilian football.

But Ancelotti offered a more nuanced view of what that phrase means in today’s game. He said: “Brazilian players have the quality to play beautiful football, but you have to think about what you mean by beautiful football. Brazilian players have individual quality, but that is combined with teamwork and movement off the ball, and that’s very important in football.”

The victory over South Korea was inspired by the new generation of Brazilian stars. Eighteen-year-old wonderkid Estevão grabbed a brace, while Real Madrid duo Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior also got on the scoresheet.

Despite the sparkling display, Brazil’s road to qualification was far from smooth. The team finished fifth in the South American table, and Ancelotti is the fourth man to take the helm since Tite stepped down after the 2022 World Cup quarter-final loss to Croatia.

The coach will again have to do without Neymar, who remains sidelined with a thigh injury until at least November. With the clock ticking toward the World Cup, his fitness is now a major concern.

Still, Ancelotti made it clear that Neymar’s place in the team is not in doubt if he regains full fitness.

“If Neymar is in good condition, then of course he can fit into the national team,” he said. “If Neymar is fit, then he can play in any team in the world.”

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