Brazil entered the World Cup facing a series of challenges, including four managerial changes since Qatar 2022, a staggering 95 players called to the squad, and a political upheaval that led to the removal of the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Amid this turmoil, the atmosphere among supporters was one of skepticism. However, the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti has gradually reshaped the team, rekindling hope among fans who aspire for a sixth World Cup victory after a 24-year gap, matching the longest drought seen between 1970 and 1994.
Under Ancelotti’s guidance, the players have found a reliable shield. Veteran stars like Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, and Casemiro feel more secure with such a distinguished figure at the helm, given Ancelotti’s status as the most decorated manager in Champions League history, boasting five titles.
“It’s undeniable that this World Cup cycle has been very difficult for us players,” Alisson remarked, reflecting on his third World Cup experience. “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 added, “Our team wasn’t in great form, but Ancelotti made the necessary changes,”
The victory in the last-32 match against Japan marked another hurdle Ancelotti successfully navigated. Historically, conceding a goal in the first half has derailed Brazil’s momentum; indeed, since 2023, the team has let in the first goal on 12 occasions, resulting in seven losses, four draws, and only one win, which came against Chile in a World Cup qualifier in October 2024.
Keishu Sano’s goal posed a significant challenge for Brazil, visibly shaking the team’s composure. Yet Ancelotti turned the tide during the halftime break, addressing the players in a manner that left a lasting impression on 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.” Gabriel Martinelli, who netted the winning goal against Japan, shared with CazeTV. “Ancelotti is an incredible man,”
Ancelotti has shown decisiveness in making tough calls, such as excluding Neymar from the starting lineup. At 34, Neymar is not the player he once was and is not fully fit. Many less experienced managers might have chosen to include him regardless, but under Ancelotti, Neymar has only seen 14 minutes of action in this World Cup, appearing against Scotland and sitting out the match against Japan. Neymar has accepted his role within the squad, recognizing that the spotlight now shines on Vinícius Júnior.
Ancelotti’s adept man-management skills have always positioned him as the ideal coach for the Seleção. He consistently emphasizes that while Brazil is not short on talent, raw ability alone will not secure a World Cup title. To bolster his approach, he collaborates with his assistants Paul Clement, Francesco Mauri, and his son Davide Ancelotti, alongside Marisa Santiago, the first psychologist to join Brazil’s coaching staff for a World Cup. Ancelotti consults Santiago daily for insights on enhancing the players’ mental game, and she has been instrumental in fostering a positive atmosphere among the squad.
As Brazil prepares to face Norway, Ancelotti confronts the task of addressing a significant historical challenge. Since their victory over Germany in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Brazil has not triumphed against a European team in a World Cup knockout match. They have suffered defeats to France (2006), the Netherlands (2010), Germany (2014), Belgium (2018), and Croatia (2022). In addition to containing Erling Haaland, Ancelotti will need to fortify the Brazilian players’ mentality to prevent the haunting memories of past World Cups from resurfacing.
If Brazil emerges victorious on Sunday, they may not immediately be viewed as frontrunners for the World Cup. However, the perception of their potential could shift, with increased belief that they may finally conclude their lengthy pursuit of the sport’s most prestigious trophy.
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- World Cup 2026
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- Carlo Ancelotti
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