Carlo Ancelotti is determined to lead Brazil to World Cup glory and make history as the first foreign-born coach to lift the trophy.
The Italian, who became Brazil’s first overseas manager in more than 60 years when he took charge in May, has already guided the five-time world champions to qualification for next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Japan in Tokyo, Brazil are coming off a dominant 5-0 win over South Korea, with teenage sensation Estevão netting twice and Real Madrid stars Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. also on the scoresheet.
“My goal is to give my best for the Brazil national team, to help them perform at their highest level and to win the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “Of course, no foreign-born coach has ever won the World Cup, but there is always a first time.”
Despite a difficult qualifying campaign that saw Brazil finish fifth in the South American table, Ancelotti has steadied the ship and instilled balance between flair and discipline.
“Brazilian players have the quality to play beautiful football, but you have to think about what that really means,” he said. “It’s not just about individual skills — it’s also about teamwork, movement, and organisation.”
The Selecão are currently without veteran forward Neymar, who is recovering from a thigh injury that could keep him sidelined until November. However, Ancelotti insisted that Brazil’s all-time top scorer still has a place in his plans.
“If Neymar is in good condition, of course he can fit into the national team,” the coach said. “If he’s fit, he can play in any team in the world.”
Under Ancelotti, Brazil have conceded just once in five games — a marked improvement for a side that had struggled defensively in recent years.
“He’s Italian, so he likes his team to defend well,” said midfielder Bruno Guimarães. “At the World Cup, the teams that don’t concede goals win titles — so it’s essential that we stay solid.”
Japan, who were the first team to qualify for next year’s World Cup, will face Brazil without key players like Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo. Coach Hajime Moriyasu acknowledged the challenge ahead but said his side would relish the opportunity.
“We want to win and grow as a team,” Moriyasu said. “Brazil are one of the top teams in the world, but our players are gaining experience in Europe and are ready for this challenge.”
