Cynthia Ezegwu
Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has expressed confidence in leading the Selecão to glory at next year’s FIFA World Cup, saying he is determined to become the first foreign-born manager to lift the trophy.
Speaking ahead of Brazil’s international friendly against Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, the Italian tactician said there is “always a first time” in football history.
“My goal is to give my best for the Brazil national team, to try to get them to perform at their best and to win the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “Of course, no foreign-born coach has ever won the World Cup, but there is always a first time in life.”
Ancelotti, who took charge of the five-time world champions in May, guided the team to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Brazil will head into the global tournament under renewed optimism after a convincing 5–0 victory over South Korea last week in Seoul, with 18-year-old sensation Estevao scoring twice and Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo also on target.
The emphatic win rekindled excitement among fans who described the performance as a return to the team’s famed jogo bonito style.
However, Ancelotti stressed that his focus was on blending Brazil’s trademark flair with tactical discipline.
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“Brazilian players have the quality to play beautiful football, but you have to think about what you mean by beautiful football,” he explained. “Their individual quality must be combined with teamwork and movement off the ball, and that’s very important in football.”
Brazil will be without star forward Neymar for the friendlies as he continues recovery from a thigh injury that has sidelined him since April.
Ancelotti nonetheless maintained that the 32-year-old Al Hilal forward still has a place in the national team if he regains full fitness.
“If Neymar is in good condition, then of course he can fit into the national team,” he said. “If Neymar is fit, then he can play in any team in the world.”
Brazil, who last won the World Cup in 2002, will look to reclaim their global dominance under Ancelotti as they prepare for next year’s tournament.