Carlo Ancelotti on a mission to make Brazil champions again
RIO DE JANEIRO, May 26 (Reuters) - Carlo Ancelotti was unveiled on Monday as the new coach of the Brazil national team, with the mission of pulling them back from a difficult period in order to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, as they seek to become six-time world champions.
The former Real Madrid coach will make his debut in the World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June.
"I'm honoured and proud to lead the best team in the world. I have a big job ahead of me," the 65-year-old Italian told a press conference at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) headquarters.
"I'm delighted, the challenge is great. I've always had a special connection with this team... We're going to work to make Brazil champions again," he added.
Ancelotti, who was welcomed by former Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, took over from Dorival Junior, who was sacked at the end of March following a 4–1 defeat by Argentina, a humiliating loss that was the latest in a series of poor results.
Brazil sit in fourth place in the South American World Cup qualifiers, with the top six teams earning direct qualification.
The team's struggles began over two years ago when they were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup by Croatia on penalties in the quarter-finals. They have since lost five of their last 14 games, conceding 16 goals.
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