The Brazilian Football Federation has reportedly reignited its pursuit of Carlo Ancelotti, aiming to have the Italian take charge for the 2026 World Cup.
This renewed interest follows Brazil’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Argentina in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier. The loss leaves Brazil in fourth place, with the top six CONMEBOL teams securing automatic qualification for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Back in 2023, the CBF had aggressively pursued Ancelotti, prepared to make him the first foreign head coach in Brazil’s history.
According to The Athletic, the federation has once again reached out to Ancelotti as pressure mounts on current coach Dorival Junior. However, Real Madrid has reportedly denied any knowledge of ongoing discussions between their manager and the CBF.
Earlier, Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazário insisted the Selecao’s interest in Ancelotti in 2023 was “not a fantasy,” revealing that the Italian had turned down their approach.
At the time, Ancelotti was in the final year of his contract at Real Madrid, and Brazil were optimistic about securing him, given that several of his Madrid stars play for the national team. CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, who was recently re-elected unopposed, even assured the public that Ancelotti would take over after his Madrid contract expired in 2024, just in time for the Copa América in June.
“He will be here, you can be sure,” Rodrigues had declared.
However, the appointment never materialized. Instead, Fernando Diniz was temporarily put in charge while also coaching Fluminense, before Dorival Junior was eventually appointed.
Ronaldo also disclosed that Real Madrid had considered sacking Ancelotti, which could have paved the way for his move to Brazil.
“It was not a fantasy because I helped in the process by talking to Carlo, but he was not released,” Ronaldo said on Charla Podcast. “Real Madrid refused to let him go.
“If he hadn’t won anything, Real Madrid would have fired him, and Ancelotti would have come. But he won the Champions League and stayed for another year.”
