The Brazilian Football Confederation has made Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti its top choice to lead the national team at the 2026 World Cup.
After Brazil’s heavy 4-1 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, pressure is building on current coach Dorival Junior. The 62-year-old has only managed seven wins in 16 matches since taking charge of the five-time world champions.
According to The Athletic, the CBF has reopened talks with Ancelotti about taking over the team for next summer’s tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Real Madrid say they’re not aware of any official contact between Ancelotti and the Brazilian football authorities, though the Italian has been linked to the Brazil job before. He was reportedly close to accepting the role before extending his Madrid contract until 2026.
That deal was meant to end rumours about his departure, but Madrid are still unsure about their long-term plans for the manager position, leaving Ancelotti’s future uncertain.
CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, who was re-elected unopposed this week after Ronaldo (Ronaldo Nazario) stepped aside, has approached Ancelotti twice in the past – but Madrid turned him down both times. Interestingly, Ronaldo also saw Ancelotti as the ideal person to coach Brazil.
Ancelotti has a great relationship with Madrid’s Brazilian players, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Endrick.
Since returning to Madrid in 2021, Ancelotti has won ten trophies, which has only strengthened his case for the Brazil job.
Even though he led Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double in 2023/24 and is aiming for a treble this season, questions remain about who will coach the club beyond 2025.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has been linked with the role, and reports suggest his representatives have already spoken with Madrid. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has also been mentioned in rumours.
For now, Ancelotti remains focused on Madrid’s title race – but with Brazil eager to make a bold move, the story is far from over.
