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The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has officially named Carlo Ancelotti as the new head coach of the Brazil national team, marking a historic appointment as the first full-time foreign manager in a century. The 65-year-old Italian will depart Real Madrid after the 2024-25 La Liga season to lead the Seleção into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a contract secured through the tournament and potential for extension.
Ancelotti, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner and the only manager to claim league titles in Europe’s top five leagues, was the CBF’s top choice to replace Dorival Junior, sacked in March 2025 after a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying. CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues called the move “a statement to the world,” highlighting Ancelotti’s experience and familiarity with Brazilian stars like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Éder Militão, and Endrick from his Real Madrid tenure.
The Italian’s exit from Real Madrid, where he was under contract until 2026, follows a disappointing season, including a Champions League quarter-final loss to Arsenal, a Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona, and a 4-3 El Clásico loss on May 11, 2025, which ended Madrid’s La Liga title hopes. Negotiations over his departure were finalized with a verbal agreement, and an official announcement is expected before the La Liga season ends on May 25, 2025. Real Madrid is reportedly eyeing Xabi Alonso, set to leave Bayer Leverkusen, as Ancelotti’s successor, potentially in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025.
Ancelotti will take charge of Brazil on May 26, 2025, with his first matches being World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador on June 5 and Paraguay on June 10 in São Paulo. Brazil, currently fourth in CONMEBOL qualifying, are on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ancelotti’s task will be to revitalize a talented squad and end Brazil’s 24-year World Cup drought.
Further details on Ancelotti’s coaching staff and strategic plans are expected in the coming weeks as Brazil prepares for a new era under one of football’s most decorated managers.
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