Ancelotti reportedly agrees terms with Brazil for coaching role
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Caro Ancelotti, the ol' Italian, has a ticking clock on his deal with the Spanish juggernaut, Real Madrid, but post their quarter-final elimination from the Champions League by Arsenal and defeat in the Copa del Rey against rivals Barcelona, the exit door at the Santiago Bernabeu seems to be swinging open.
Ancelotti hasn't been shy about acknowledging a possible goodbye, stating last weekend that the topic of his future was a ticking time bomb for the coming weeks following the defeat by Barcelona.
According to Spanish media, Ancelotti is set to replace Dorival Junior in Brazil, who was booted off his position after a brutal 4-1 drubbing by Argentina this March. The Selecao are currently fourth in the South American qualifying table for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
With Real Madrid defensive lines crumbling this season and trailing Barcelona in La Liga by a hefty four points, a title defense seems to be their last shot at major silverware. Ancelotti led Real Madrid to a Champions League and La Liga double last year, making Brazil stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes key players. He is one of the most illustrious coaches in the club's history, having snagged the Champions League three times with the team over two separate stints.
Ancelotti recently helmed AC Milan, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, among other teams. While details about Brazil's 2026 World Cup qualifying schedule aren't summed up, AFP reports that the Club World Cup will kick off in the United States this summer. With Ancelotti's new role expected to begin in June 2025 [1][3], he's likely to oversee Brazil's World Cup qualifying campaign – unless there's some curveball that arises between now and then. However, some experts suggest an "impasse" regarding the transition [2]. So, keep a close eye on the news for any surprises!
© 2025 AFP
- Ancelotti, having steered Real Madrid to a Champions League and La Liga double last year, might be returning to manage Brazil for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
- Once his stint at Real Madrid concludes, Ancelotti, one of the most illustrious coaches in the club's history, could potentially take up a new role in the Brazilian team, where Dorival Junior was recently terminated.
- With the Club World Cup slated to begin in the United States this summer, Ancelotti, if he assumes his new role, is likely to oversee Brazil's World Cup qualifying campaign, starting from June 2025 [1][3].
- However, Brazil's current defensive performances in the South American qualifying table for the 2026 World Cup have been less than desirable, leaving much room for improvement as Ancelotti prepares to take up his new position.
- In the European leagues, Ancelotti has previously managed AC Milan, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, but his most significant successes remain with Real Madrid, where he has won the Champions League three times.
- While facing stiff competition from the United States, Mexico, and Canada in the 2026 World Cup, Brazil potentially boasts the advantage of a seasoned coach like Ancelotti, provided there are no unforeseen complications in the transition [2].
