Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil: Can he lift a flawed Selecao to World Cup glory?

Brazil are in a bad way. Neymar's fitness has dominated national debate, with many convinced the Selecao cannot win the World Cup without the 34-year-old forward who has not been fit or good enough for his country since 2023. Former midfielder Felipe Melo even argued that "even a one-legged Neymar" would be Brazil's best option at No.10, a comment that underlines the lack of faith in the rest of the country's attackers.

But the outcome of Brazil's 2026 campaign doesn't rest solely on Neymar; it revolves around Carlo Ancelotti, one of football's finest coaches and arguably the only man capable of guiding a sub-standard Selecao to a sixth world title. Ednaldo Rodrigues, the former CBF president, praised Ancelotti's honesty and consistency and noted the universal respect he commands among players, while supporters and several Brazil stars have long named him their dream manager.

Ancelotti had extended his Madrid contract to 2026, making a Brazil switch seem unlikely, but a post-season overhaul at the Bernabeu opened the door.

Brazil, Madrid

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