Carlo Ancelotti is embarking on a historic mission, leading Brazil as their first ever foreign coach at a World Cup. Having reached an agreement in May 2025, the decorated Italian manager is tasked with guiding the Seleção to the 2026 title, aiming to end a two-decade drought since their last triumph in 2002. Brazil has never gone six editions without lifting the trophy, adding immense pressure to Ancelotti’s unprecedented tenure.

Ancelotti’s unique challenge

Ancelotti’s appointment was not without initial resistance. Figures like two-time World Cup winner Cafu and 1970 champion Emerson Leao voiced concerns about a foreign manager leading the national team. Cafu stated, “We are the only country to have won the World Cup five times. It’s not that a foreigner should never coach the national team, but I would have gone for a Brazilian coach.” Similarly, Leao remarked, “I have always said I don’t like foreign coaches in my country.”

Despite these sentiments, Ancelotti, a record five-time Champions League winner with trophies in all five of Europe’s major leagues, has committed fully to the challenge. He had previously worked with 43 Brazilian players but had only visited South America once before on a scouting mission for Juventus in the early 2000s. To bridge the cultural gap, Ancelotti hired a Portuguese teacher, Roberto Piantino, and dedicated himself to four lessons a week. Piantino noted his student’s exceptional commitment, telling BBC Sport:

“I was surprised by his commitment. I remember once we finished a lesson on a Friday and, as usual, I asked him when he wanted to do the next one. He said: ‘Tomorrow.’ But that was a Saturday. I said: ‘Of course, no problem.’ That meant 9am in Vancouver [where Ancelotti lives with his wife]. It happened more than once. That showed me how serious he really was about learning.”

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Ancelotti’s dedication extended to his contract renewal. Before the World Cup, the CBF extended his deal until 2030, but Ancelotti delayed signing for about a month to ensure three other CBF staff members, who had aided his adaptation, also had their contracts extended until 2030. This commitment appears to be resonating, with a survey by Brazilian polling institute Quaest finding 41% of Brazilians approve of his work, compared to 29% who disapprove.

On-field approach and key players

On the pitch, Ancelotti has implemented a bold 4-2-4 tactical system. In his initial 11 matches, Brazil’s record stands at:

• Six wins

• Two draws

• Three defeats

The team recently secured a dominant 6-2 victory over Panama in their penultimate match before the World Cup. Goals came from Rayan (Bournemouth), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Vinicius Jr, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, and Danilo. Ancelotti holds high regard for his attacking talent, stating in the corridors of the CBF headquarters that Brazil possesses “two of the five best players in the world,” referring to Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid) and Raphinha (Barcelona).

However, injuries pose a challenge, with Rodrygo and Estevao Willian currently sidelined, and Neymar potentially missing Brazil’s World Cup opener. The win against Panama marked only the third time Ancelotti had Vinicius Jr and Raphinha on the pitch together, following a 1-0 win over Paraguay in June 2025 and a 2-1 defeat by France in March this year (where Raphinha was substituted at half-time).

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Ancelotti’s calm and authoritative leadership style has also been noted. Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, in an interview with Rio Ferdinand, recounted an incident that highlighted Ancelotti’s unique approach:

“In the game against Paraguay [in June 2025], we needed to win to qualify for the World Cup. At half-time, a lot of people were talking, talking, talking. Then he said: ‘Guys, wait. I’m going to smoke a cigarette, I’ll be back in five minutes and then you can talk.’ After that, he came back, spoke, and everyone was like: ‘OK. This guy is different.'”

As the World Cup approaches, Ancelotti’s blend of tactical acumen, commitment to cultural integration, and distinctive leadership will be under intense scrutiny as he attempts to deliver Brazil’s sixth global title.

Sources: www.bbc.com

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