Carlo Ancelotti is setting his sights on rewriting football history as he leads Brazil into the next World Cup, determined to become the first foreign-born coach to lift the trophy.
The veteran Italian tactician, who took charge of the five-time world champions in May, has already guided them to qualification for the 2026 tournament to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly clash against Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday just days after a dominant 5-0 win over South Korea in Seoul Ancelotti expressed his belief that barriers are meant to be broken.
“My mission is simple to help Brazil play their best football and bring the World Cup back home,” Ancelotti said. “No foreign coach has ever done it before, but there’s always a first time.”
Despite securing qualification, Brazil’s road to the World Cup was far from smooth. The team finished fifth in the South American qualifiers, prompting questions about consistency and direction before Ancelotti’s arrival.
The former Real Madrid manager is Brazil’s fourth coach since Tite stepped down after their heartbreaking 2022 quarter-final exit to Croatia in Qatar. Now, Ancelotti hopes to bring stability, flair, and a touch of European discipline to a squad hungry for redemption.
As he looks ahead to next year’s tournament, Ancelotti knows the weight of expectation that comes with leading Brazil but he remains unfazed. “History remembers the first to do it,” he said with a smile. “And we’re ready to make history.”
