Brazil begins early planning as talks with Ancelotti expected ahead of 2026
Brazil’s football federation is preparing to initiate discussions with head coach Carlo Ancelotti well before his current contract concludes in 2026.
The move reflects a broader effort to introduce long-term stability to a national side that has undergone frequent managerial changes in recent years.
Early planning
Rather than waiting for the 2026 World Cup to unfold, officials want to open conversations months in advance according to reporting from ESPNFC.
People familiar with the federation’s thinking told the outlet that the possibility of an extension is not tied to how Brazil performs at the tournament.
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The priority, they said, is to avoid the uncertainty that typically surrounds the national team leading up to major competitions.
Ancelotti’s role and Brazil’s recent history
Ancelotti, one of the most accomplished club coaches in modern football, took charge of Brazil with the expectation that he would guide a generational transition.
The national team has not won the World Cup since 2002 and has struggled to maintain a consistent identity following a series of coaching changes including the departures of Tite and later interim managers.
Since arriving, the Italian coach has focused on integrating younger players while balancing the pressure that comes with leading the five-time world champions.
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His presence has been widely viewed as part of a multi-year project that extends beyond a single tournament cycle.
Why the extension matters
According to ESPNFC, securing continuity has become a priority for the Brazilian federation. Opening talks early would give both parties time to define expectations, negotiate terms and avoid last-minute adjustments based on short-term results.
Federation insiders described the effort as an attempt to shift away from a results-only approach and toward a planning model used by several European football associations.
Looking ahead
It remains unclear whether Ancelotti is ready to commit beyond 2026, and he has not commented publicly on the timing of the discussions.
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For now, Brazil’s leadership appears intent on resolving the coaching situation well before the national team travels to the United States for the World Cup.
A completed agreement would allow the federation to focus on long-term squad development and future competitions including the 2028 Copa América, rather than entering another cycle with managerial uncertainty.
Sources, ESPNFC
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