Brazil's UOL newspaper reported that in internal discussions with players, Ancelotti repeatedly stated that the World Cup truly begins at the quarterfinals. The Italian coach views this stage as when Brazil will encounter opponents strong enough to test their championship aspirations. Ancelotti's strategy involves the team navigating the group stage and initial knockout rounds smoothly, while preserving key players. The coaching staff believes Brazil will only face top-tier international teams from the quarterfinals onward. This message was conveyed to the players during their preparations for the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, US on 2/6, with the Brazil national team preparing for the 2026 World Cup. *Photo: AP*

This perspective, however, sparked controversy. On the UOL News program, journalist Milly Lacombe, 58, criticized the 67-year-old coach's remarks. She argued that downplaying the early rounds is a mistake, despite the 2026 World Cup's new 48-team format. "A World Cup begins with the first match, from the group stage," Lacombe stated.

Lacombe emphasized that early match results could directly impact Brazil's group standing, leading to significant consequences in the knockout rounds. Failing to secure the top spot in their group could place the team in a more challenging bracket, forcing early encounters with strong opponents. She cited an example: a loss in the opening match could cause Brazil to lose its advantage in the race for the top spot. This would put the most successful team in World Cup history at risk of early elimination. Consequently, Lacombe described Ancelotti's assessment as "inappropriate" and "regrettable."

Brazil is in Group C for the 2026 World Cup, opening their campaign against Morocco on 13/6, followed by matches against Haiti and Scotland. Should they win Group C, they would face the second-place team from Group F, potentially Japan, in the round of 16. If they finish second in Group C, Brazil would play the Group F winner, such as the Netherlands.

Japan holds a historical record of one win, two draws, and 11 losses against Brazil. However, their most recent clash, a friendly in 10/2025, resulted in a victory for the Asian side. Similarly, Brazil's last encounter with the Netherlands was a 0-3 defeat in the 2014 World Cup third-place playoff.

Ancelotti's focus on the quarterfinals might stem from the common observation that championship contenders often avoid the strongest opponents in the group stage, round of 16, or round of eight. Critics, however, emphasize that the World Cup is always full of surprises, and no match should be underestimated.

*By Hoang An (via UOL)*