Carlo Ancelotti, the first foreign-born coach in Brazil’s national soccer team in sixty years, expressed optimism about the possibility of leading Brazil to World Cup victory. The Italian coach, who took the reins in May, successfully guided the five-time champions to secure their spot in the upcoming World Cup.
Ahead of a friendly match against Japan in Tokyo following a resounding 5-0 win over South Korea, Ancelotti shared his ambition to make history by aiming for success at the next year’s World Cup hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Highlighting the uniqueness of his position as a foreign coach, Ancelotti emphasized that while no non-native coach has ever clinched the World Cup title, there is always a chance for a breakthrough.
Despite Brazil’s challenging qualification journey, finishing fifth in the South American standings, Ancelotti took charge as the fourth coach since Tite’s departure after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The recent victory over South Korea showcased Brazil’s prowess, with young talent Estevao shining with two goals alongside Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr.
While fans celebrated Brazil’s return to their trademark “jogo bonito” style, Ancelotti credited the team’s success to a blend of individual skill, teamwork, and strategic movement on the field. Notably, Brazil’s star forward Neymar was absent due to a thigh injury, raising concerns about his readiness for the World Cup. Ancelotti, however, affirmed Neymar’s exceptional quality and expressed confidence in his potential impact on the national team if fully fit.