Carlo Ancelotti (Left)
Doha, Qatar: Brazil made a historic move for this World Cup by appointing Carlo Ancelotti, becoming the first foreign manager to lead the Selecao in decades.
The Italian has conquered Europe’s biggest leagues, winning domestic titles in England, Spain, Germany, France and Italy.
He stands alone as the most successful manager in UEFA Champions League history, having won the competition five times. Throughout his career, Ancelotti has been defined by trophies, calm leadership and an ability to bring the best out of world-class players.
Yet one prize remains missing from his glittering collection,the FIFA World Cup.
Now, as he leads Brazil into the 2026 tournament, Ancelotti has the opportunity to complete football’s ultimate achievement and guide the most successful nation in World Cup history back to the summit of the game.
Brazil have lifted the famous trophy five times in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002 but a generation of Brazilian stars has grown up without seeing the Selecao crowned world champions. The last triumph came 24 years ago in Japan and South Korea when Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho inspired Brazil to glory.
Since then, there have been moments of heartbreak.
The painful 7-1 defeat to Germany on home soil in 2014 remains one of the darkest chapters in Brazilian football history. Quarter-final exits in 2018 and 2022 only added to the frustration of a nation that expects success on the biggest stage.
That is why Ancelotti’s arrival has created renewed hope.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, the veteran coach made his ambitions clear: “We want to be the most resilient team in the world” and admitted he is not afraid to say that Brazil want to win the World Cup.
Brazil enter the tournament with a squad that combines experience, flair and youthful excitement. At the centre of attention is Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer. The 34-year-old has battled injuries in recent years, but Ancelotti placed his faith in the forward by including him in the final squad. For Neymar, this tournament could represent the final opportunity to win the one trophy that has eluded him throughout his remarkable career.
Alongside Neymar are some of the brightest talents in world football. Vinicius Junior arrives as one of the most dangerous attacking players on the planet, capable of changing matches with his pace and skill.
Raphinha, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli provide quality and experience in attack, while Endrick represents the next generation of Brazilian superstars. In midfield, Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes offer leadership and control while captain Marquinhos anchors the defence with Gabriel Magalhaes. Behind them stands the reliable figure of Alisson, one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
Brazil’s World Cup journey begins in Group C. Where they open their campaign against Morocco before taking on Haiti and Scotland in their remaining group matches.
On paper, the Selecao will be favourites to top the group, but the expanded World Cup format leaves little room for complacency.
The expectations are enormous, as they always are whenever Brazil step onto a World Cup field. But there is a different feeling surrounding this squad.
Unlike previous tournaments, where Brazil often relied heavily on individual brilliance, Ancelotti has focused on building a balanced team capable of adapting to different challenges.His reputation for managing star players could prove crucial. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of football’s greatest talents and consistently brought out the best in them.
As the world turns its attention to North America, Brazil once again carry the hopes of millions as another chapter in their rich football history awaits.
