Carlo Ancelotti officially began his tenure as head coach of Brazil’s national football team on Monday, declaring his ambition to deliver a record-extending sixth World Cup title for the Selecao.
The celebrated Italian manager was presented at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, marking a historic shift as the first non-Brazilian in six decades to manage the five-time world champions.
“I’m very proud to lead the best team in the world,” said the 65-year-old, who has never previously coached a national side. “I have a big job ahead of me and have great hope that Brazil will become champions again. The only goal is to win the 2026 World Cup.”
Ancelotti’s appointment follows a turbulent period for the Brazilian national team, which has seen four different coaches in just two years. His predecessor, Dorival Junior, was dismissed in March after a humbling 4-1 defeat by Argentina in World Cup qualifying. Brazil currently sits in fourth place in the South American qualifying standings.
The Italian tactician will make his debut on the touchline when Brazil faces Ecuador in Guayaquil on June 5, followed by a home clash against Paraguay in São Paulo on June 10.
Notably absent from Ancelotti’s squad for the June qualifiers is Neymar, the 33-year-old forward who has been sidelined for nearly two years due to injury. However, Ancelotti emphasized that Neymar remains in the team’s long-term plans: “Obviously we’re counting on him.”
Instead, Ancelotti has recalled Manchester United veteran and former Brazil captain Casemiro, who will join a squad featuring Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and Barcelona winger Raphinha. Casemiro, also 33, was praised for bringing “charisma, personality and talent.”
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), which spent two years persuading Ancelotti to take the job, is undergoing its own internal shake-up. On Sunday, Samir Xaud was elected as the new CBF president, following the court-ordered dismissal of Ednaldo Rodrigues amid allegations of contract forgery.
Xaud welcomed Ancelotti with a message invoking divine blessings: “May Christ the Redeemer bless the arrival of our Mr Carlo Ancelotti, so that he can secure… a highly coveted sixth world title.” He also pledged to give the new coach “total autonomy.”
Ancelotti, who has won five UEFA Champions League titles during his illustrious career, will earn a reported €10 million (\$11.4 million) annually. He’ll be joined in the Brazil setup by his son and long-time assistant, Davide Ancelotti.
What you should know
Carlo Ancelotti has officially begun his reign as Brazil’s head coach, setting his sights on winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While Neymar is excluded from the June qualifiers, Ancelotti welcomes back Casemiro and counts on stars like Vinicius Jr. With Brazil struggling in qualifying, the seasoned Italian takes on the role with full autonomy and a record salary.
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