Real Madrid`s distinguished Italian coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is reportedly preparing to depart the Spanish powerhouse in the coming weeks to assume the role of head coach for the Brazilian national team, aiming for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to insights from The Athletic, Ancelotti is expected to leave Real Madrid at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season but specifically before the Club World Cup scheduled for this summer in the United States. The same report suggests his contract with Brazil is not anticipated to be a long-term agreement. He is reportedly set to begin his tenure with the team during the World Cup qualifiers slated for this summer.
Despite the Spanish giants being eliminated in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals by Arsenal and suffering a 3-2 defeat against FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, they remain strong contenders for the La Liga title. Real Madrid currently holds second place in the standings with a four-point advantage over the team coached by Hansi Flick. The upcoming encounter between these two teams on May 11 in Barcelona could potentially be Carlo Ancelotti`s final El Clasico as Real Madrid`s head coach.
Sources indicate that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is currently in discussions with Ancelotti`s representatives, with one of their ambassadors reportedly present in Sevilla for the Copa del Rey final. It remains uncertain whether the CBF and Real Madrid will reach an agreement to terminate Ancelotti`s current deal prematurely to facilitate the appointment. It`s also unclear if Ancelotti himself will be responsible for selecting Brazil`s roster for the World Cup qualifiers in June. Brazil is currently on course to qualify for the next World Cup, despite a recent 4-1 loss to Argentina in their last qualification match. Their upcoming fixtures against Ecuador and Paraguay in June could potentially mark Ancelotti`s first matches on the Brazilian bench. Brazil holds the unique distinction of being the only national team to have qualified for every single World Cup tournament.
Ancelotti is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished managers in football history. The Italian manager has amassed 31 major trophies throughout his career across Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and England. He holds the distinction of being the only manager to have secured league titles in all five of Europe`s major leagues. Additionally, he holds the record for the most Champions League titles (five) and UEFA Super Cup titles (five) won as a coach. Winning a significant trophy with a national team as prestigious as Brazil would serve as yet another remarkable achievement in the career of one of the most influential figures in soccer history.
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley