Brazil approached the World Cup burdened by a series of challenges. Since the Qatar tournament in 2022, the national team has seen four managerial changes, called up 95 players, and faced a political upheaval that included the removal of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president. Amid this turmoil, fan sentiment had turned pessimistic. However, the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti marked a turning point. Under the Italian coach, the squad has begun to coalesce, rekindling the hopes of supporters yearning for a sixth World Cup title, a wait now spanning 24 years, the longest since the gap between 1970 and 1994.
With Ancelotti at the helm, the players have found a protective ally. Even seasoned athletes like Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, and Casemiro feel a renewed sense of comfort knowing they have such a distinguished figure leading the team—one who has secured five Champions League titles.
“It’s undeniable that this World Cup cycle has been very difficult for us players,” comments Alisson, who is participating in his third World Cup. “We’ve experienced all these difficulties first-hand. But since Ancelotti’s arrival, the atmosphere has been transformed. He gives us the peace of mind that comes from an environment focused on work, without having to worry about controversies or other issues”
Marquinhos echoes this sentiment, stating, “Our team wasn’t in great form, but Ancelotti made the necessary changes,”
The victory in the last-32 match against Japan was another hurdle Ancelotti managed to overcome. Historically, conceding a goal in the first half would have destabilized Brazil. In fact, since 2023, the team had allowed the first goal in matches 12 times, resulting in seven losses, four draws, and only one win, which came against Chile in a World Cup qualifier in October 2024.
The blow from Keishu Sano’s goal was significant, visibly unsettling Brazil. Yet, Ancelotti managed to turn the tide. He utilized the half-time break effectively, addressing the players in a manner that left a lasting impression in the locker room.
“He’s very smart. He knows how to get the best out of the players he has and help them improve. He managed to change our mindset and created a philosophy centred on wellbeing.” stated Gabriel Martinelli, who netted the winning goal against Japan, in a conversation with CazeTV. “Ancelotti is an incredible man,”
Ancelotti has not shied away from making tough choices, notably deciding to bench Neymar. The 34-year-old is no longer the player he once was, nor is he fully fit. Many less experienced managers might have felt compelled to include Neymar alongside ten other players, but under Ancelotti’s leadership, Neymar has played just 14 minutes in this World Cup, appearing only against Scotland and not at all in the match against Japan. Neymar has come to terms with his position on the team, recognizing that he is no longer Brazil’s main star; that title now belongs to Vinícius Júnior.
Ancelotti’s adept management has made him an ideal coach for the Seleção. He consistently emphasizes that while Brazil possesses abundant talent, raw skill alone cannot secure a World Cup victory. To bolster this approach, he collaborates with his assistants Paul Clement, Francesco Mauri, and his son Davide Ancelotti, as well as Marisa Santiago, the first psychologist to join Brazil’s coaching staff for a World Cup. Ancelotti consults Santiago daily, seeking guidance on enhancing the players’ mental fortitude. She has also been engaging with the players, contributing to Ancelotti’s efforts to cultivate an optimal team environment.
As Brazil prepares to face Norway, Ancelotti will tackle perhaps the most daunting challenge of all. Since their 2002 triumph over Germany in the final in Yokohama, Brazil has struggled against European teams in World Cup knockout matches. They have suffered defeats at the hands of France (2006), the Netherlands (2010), Germany (2014), Belgium (2018), and Croatia (2022). In addition to neutralizing Erling Haaland, Ancelotti will need to focus on the psychological aspects of the Brazilian squad to prevent the haunting memories of their past five World Cup campaigns from resurfacing.
If Brazil secures a victory on Sunday, they may still not be regarded by many as frontrunners for the World Cup, but they could emerge with a renewed perception, igniting belief that they might finally break their lengthy wait for the sport’s most coveted trophy.
- Brazil
- World Cup 2026
- World Cup
- Carlo Ancelotti
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