Five-time champions Brazil failed to live up to expectations at the 2026 World Cup. After the disappointment of their round-of-16 exit, Seleção coach Carlo Ancelotti is now focusing on his future plans. The Italian coach has hinted at a complete overhaul of the team ahead of the next tournament.
In an interview with ESPN Brazil on Wednesday, Ancelotti said his commitment to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) remains unwavering, and revealed that he turned down an offer to coach the Italian national team.
“It’s not about a contract, because it’s not about that at all. The main reason is that the CBF and I have a commitment to this country, because the country gave me a very warm welcome in this first year,” Ancelotti said.
Brazil entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup on a mission to win the Hexa but had to return empty-handed. Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended with a loss to Norway in the round of 16 — the fastest exit for Brazil at a World Cup since 1990, and their earliest under Ancelotti.
Speaking about the World Cup failure, Ancelotti said, “The World Cup result was not good for us. Everyone is disappointed; we are sad too. But now we have to learn from the past and look forward. There is no shortage of talented players in this country, and it is possible to build a positive future with them.”
Brazil’s all-time top scorer Neymar Jr. announced his retirement from the national team on Wednesday, with Ancelotti planning to replace several experienced players with younger ones.
Regarding the team’s rebuild, the Brazil coach said, “History shows that after one generation leaves, another comes. The new generation has to be better than the previous one. Now is the time for us to start that new cycle.”
Questions have also been raised about the future of players aged 33 or over, such as Alisson Becker, Casemiro, Danilo, and Alex Sandro.
However, Ancelotti did not suggest completely dropping any of them. “Our idea is that some may remain in the squad, but we have to look toward a new cycle, and we will bring new players into the team,” he said.
Ancelotti also acknowledged the contributions of the veterans. “I have a lot of respect and love for each of them. They have made an extraordinary contribution to Brazil. But in football, one chapter ends and another begins.”
Ancelotti took charge of Brazil in May last year, and the CBF has already extended his contract until the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Brazil is scheduled to play three matches in the September–October FIFA window.
The Seleção will play two matches against hosts Australia, in Townsville and Brisbane, on September 25 and 29. Discussions are underway to hold a third match in Kolkata in early October, though Brazil’s opponent for that match has not yet been confirmed.
