The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) has reportedly resumed talks with Carlo Ancelotti, hoping to appoint the Italian manager ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This renewed pursuit follows Brazil’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night. The loss has left Seleção in fourth place in the CONMEBOL standings, where the top six teams qualify automatically for the tournament in USA, Mexico, and Canada.
CBF initially approached the 65-year-old Real Madrid boss in 2023, aiming to make him the first foreign head coach in Brazil’s history. However, despite their confidence, Ancelotti remained at Real Madrid, forcing Brazil to appoint Fernando Diniz as an interim coach before handing the reins to Dorival Júnior.
Now, with increasing pressure on Júnior, the CBF has renewed contact with Ancelotti, according to The Athletic. However, Real Madrid has reportedly claimed they are unaware of any discussions between their manager and the Brazilian federation.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário recently shed light on the 2023 negotiations, insisting that the attempt to bring Ancelotti was very real.
"It was not a fantasy because I helped in the process by talking to Carlo, but he was not released," Ronaldo revealed on the Charla Podcast.
According to Ronaldo, Ancelotti’s fate was tied to Real Madrid’s performance. Had the Los Blancos failed to win a major title, the club was prepared to sack him—paving the way for his move to Brazil. However, after leading Madrid to Champions League glory, Ancelotti secured a contract extension, shutting down Brazil’s hopes of acquiring him.
CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, who was re-elected this week unopposed, had previously assured fans that Ancelotti would take over after his Madrid contract expired in 2024, just in time for the Copa América in the U.S. this June.
However, with that plan failing to materialize, Brazil is now back at square one, desperately looking for a top-tier coach to guide them into the 2026 World Cup.
As speculation grows, all eyes remain on Ancelotti’s future—and whether Brazil can finally lure him to South America.
