On Thin Ice: Ancelotti's Debut with Brazil Falls Short
Ancelotti's tenure in Brazil commences with a disheartening first act
Carlo Ancelotti's inaugural match as Brazil's national soccer coach didn't exactly set the World Cup qualifying stage ablaze. In the opening fixture for the 2026 tournament, a goalless draw against Ecuador left fans and pundits questioning the Italian's ability to revitalize the once-great Seleção.
The Spanish press was merciless in their assessment, with publications like "Marca" labeling the game as "Ancelotti's cold shower:" "This Brazil is just a faint echo of its past glory."
Despite the lackluster performance, Ancelotti kept a resilient demeanor, commenting on the team's struggle to create opportunities against Ecuador. With a positive outlook, he promised robust offense for future matches, citing increased movement, intensity, and control as key components of the team's game plan[3].
In what has been a tumultous year for Brazilian football—with the team kicking off its World Cup qualifying campaign amidst a devastating 1:4 loss to arch-rival Argentina and the dismissal of former coach Dorival Júnior—Ancelotti faced the challenges head-on[1]. The Italian tactician, who took the reins in May 2025 following his departure from Real Madrid, vows to instill flexibility and adaptability in his squad, hinting at a variety of formations such as 4-4-2, 4-3-3, and 4-5-1 to reflect each player's unique strengths[3].
In the absence of injured superstar Neymar, young talents like the 18-year-old Estevão saw their first taste of international action, being named in the starting lineup for Brazil's opening qualifier. Veterans like Casemiro also returned to the squad[1].
As Brazil heads into its next match against Paraguay, Vinicius Jr., one of the team's key players, finds himself at a crossroads. Reflecting on the team's performance in Guayaquil, the young attacker called for a collective reevaluation, observing that there is still much work to be done if the Verdeamarela are to regain their feared status on the world stage and challenge for the 2026 World Cup trophy[3]. Until then, Ancelotti's task remains monumental, with Brazil currently languishing in fourth place in the South American qualification standings, trailing behind their continental rivals[1].
Football seemed to echo through the air as Carlo Ancelotti made his debut with Brazil, but the once-great Seleção struggled to find their footing in the opening qualifier against Ecuador. Despite the tough start, sports like football continue to captivate fans and evoke debate, especially with a coach as renowned as Carlo Ancelotti at the helm.
