Ancelotti reaches agreement with Brazil to lead team to 2026 World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti to Coach Brazil at 2026 World Cup
April 29, Beijing Time

Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti has reached an agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to become the new head coach of Brazil’s national team. He will lead the Seleção at the 2026 World Cup.

Key Details:

Ancelotti will officially take charge in June 2024 and will not coach Real Madrid in the upcoming Club World Cup.

The CBF will offer him a record-breaking annual salary, making him the highest-paid manager in Brazil’s history.

Real Madrid and Ancelotti have finalized their separation, with only minor formalities remaining.

Brazil’s Upcoming Matches:
Ancelotti will begin work in the first week of June, overseeing Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador (June 5) and Paraguay (June 10). Currently, Brazil sits fourth in the South American qualifiers, while Ecuador and Paraguay are second and fifth, respectively. The top six teams in the region will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup (hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). Argentina has already secured qualification as group leaders.

Real Madrid’s Season Struggles:

Suffered a "triple defeat" to Barcelona this season: losses in the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey final, and their first La Liga meeting.

Eliminated from the Champions League quarterfinals after a 1-5 aggregate defeat to Arsenal.

Trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga.

Real Madrid’s Next Manager:
With Ancelotti departing, the club plans to appoint Xabi Alonso as his successor. Alonso is reportedly awaiting an offer from Madrid. If his arrival is delayed, interim options include club legends Raúl González or Santiago Solari to coach the team temporarily.