Three reasons Carlo Ancelotti can succeed with Brazil

MADRID – Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will take the reins of the Brazil national team on May 26, aiming to lead the team to World Cup glory in 2026 for the first time since 2002.

Previous coach Dorival Jr was sacked in March after a 4-1 thumping by rivals Argentina in qualifying. Here, AFP Sport considers three reasons he could prove successful with the record five-time world champions:

Calm character

Ancelotti, who has written a book named Quiet Leadership, is known for his calm and warm character, making him an ideal candidate for one of the highest pressure jobs in football.

The Italian has demonstrated his ability to succeed in similar environments with some of Europe’s biggest sides, including Real, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

With Brazil’s fiercest rivals Argentina the reigning world champions, the pressure on Brazil to succeed in the 2026 World Cup will be higher than ever.

Ancelotti, 65, is also set to be the first foreign manager to lead Brazil into a World Cup.

However, if anybody is cut out to thrive in – or despite – heavy scrutiny from fans and national media, it is the unflappable, avuncular Ancelotti.

“Ancelotti would be ideal because everyone, including opponents, respects him,” said Brazil great Zico in 2023.

“He knows football and is aware that players are more important than tactics.”

Ancelotti is considered a superb man-manager, which will allow him to get the best tune out of a national team rich in talent.

Strong relationships

With Neymar turning 34 ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, there is a strong chance the forward and talisman of this Brazilian generation will not feature.

He has made only nine appearances since rejoining Santos from Saudi club Al-Hilal, continuing to struggle with