Carlo Ancelotti has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Brazil national team and will take charge on May 26, immediately following his final match with Real Madrid against Real Sociedad in La Liga.
According to sports journalist David Ornstein, the 65-year-old Italian makes history as Brazil’s first-ever foreign head coach for the men’s national team. “Agreements are in place and contracts signed,” Ornstein confirmed, highlighting that all parties — including Ancelotti, Real Madrid, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) — reached a mutual agreement. The negotiations were led by Diego Fernandes on behalf of the CBF.
Despite having a year remaining on his contract at the Bernabéu, Ancelotti agreed to step down early, paving the way for his new role. The deal, initially reported by The Athletic, will see him lead Brazil through the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with a target of securing a record-extending sixth title at the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ancelotti succeeds Dorival Junior, who was relieved of his duties in March after a 14-month tenure.
His first official match in charge will be a crucial World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on June 6, marking the beginning of a new era for the Seleção under one of football’s most accomplished managers.
Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid in 2021 and has since won two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy. However, the club’s recent performance has fallen below expectations, with a Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal, a Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona, and a seven-point deficit behind Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in La Liga, with only three matches left.
