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Carlo Ancelotti officially took charge as Brazil’s new national team coach on Monday, pledging to lead the struggling side back to World Cup glory and confirming that Neymar will not be part of the upcoming qualifiers due to injury.
Speaking at his unveiling in Rio de Janeiro, Ancelotti expressed his pride and ambition: “I’m honoured to manage the best team in the world. I have a major task ahead of me, and I’m hopeful we can make Brazil world champions once again. The only objective is to win the 2026 World Cup.”
The 65-year-old Italian, a five-time Champions League winner, becomes the first foreign coach in over 60 years to lead the Seleção. Despite this being his first role in charge of a national team, Ancelotti brings with him decades of elite-level experience.
He confirmed the return of experienced midfielder Casemiro to the squad for June’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. The Manchester United player will be joined by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and Barcelona winger Raphinha.
While Neymar, 33, remains sidelined after nearly two years out through injury, Ancelotti said the star forward remains part of future plans. “Of course we’re counting on him,” he noted.
Brazil are currently fourth in the South American qualifying table for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The national side has been underperforming in recent years and is now on its fourth manager in two years. Dorival Junior was dismissed in March following a humiliating 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Argentina.
Ancelotti’s first match will be away against Ecuador on 5 June, followed by a home game against Paraguay in São Paulo on 10 June.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has spent two years courting Ancelotti in hopes of reviving the national side’s fortunes. Since lifting their last World Cup in 2002, Brazil have only once reached the semi-finals — in 2014, when they suffered a crushing 7-1 defeat to Germany on home soil.
The CBF is also undergoing leadership changes. On Sunday, Samir Xaud was elected president, replacing Ednaldo Rodrigues, who was dismissed following allegations of contract forgery.
Welcoming Ancelotti, Xaud said, “May Christ the Redeemer bless the arrival of our Mr Carlo Ancelotti, so he can deliver that long-awaited sixth World Cup title.” He also promised the Italian full autonomy in his new role, which reportedly comes with an annual salary of €10 million (£8.5 million).
Ancelotti’s son, Davide, will serve on the coaching staff.
