Negotiations between both parties for an extension beyond the 2026 World Cup began last December. While the final terms are still being discussed, Ancelotti has fundamentally agreed to the deal.

Ancelotti took charge of the Brazil national team in May 2025, replacing Dorival Junior. Prior to this, the Italian tactician spent four years in his second stint at Real, where he led the Spanish club to La Liga and Champions League titles.

Head coach Ancelotti during Brazil's 1-0 victory over Paraguay at Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo, Brazil on 10/6/2025. Photo: Imago

As the first foreign coach in Brazil's history, Ancelotti led the Samba team in four matches during the South American World Cup 2026 qualifiers. They secured victories against Chile and Paraguay, drew with Ecuador, and then lost to Bolivia. By that point, Brazil had already guaranteed direct qualification for the sport's biggest global event. Subsequently, Ancelotti's squad played four friendly matches, defeating South Korea and Senegal, drawing with Tunisia, and losing to Japan.

Coaching Brazil marks Ancelotti's first venture at the national team level in his over 30-year coaching career. After starting in Serie B with Reggiana in 1995, he managed numerous clubs, including Parma, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton. In total, Ancelotti has won six national championships and five Champions League titles.

For the 2026 World Cup, Brazil will establish their headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey. They will train at the Red Bull Training Center, a facility currently under construction and completion, owned by MLS club New York Red Bulls.

Brazil will kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign on 13/6 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, before facing Haiti in Philadelphia on 19/6. Five days later, Ancelotti's team will play Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Vy Anh