Ancelotti set for talks over Brazil job ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is preparing for further discussions about becoming the next head coach of the Brazil national team. Representatives of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), led by businessman Diego Fernandes, are set to meet the Italian coach again as they aim to secure his services ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers starting in June.

Ancelotti, 65, has so far deflected questions about his future, telling reporters after Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona that it was “a topic for the next weeks, not today.” However, Fernandes’ presence at the match in Seville underlines Brazil’s determination to finalize an agreement as soon as the Spanish domestic season concludes.

If talks are successful, Ancelotti could depart Real Madrid before the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States this summer. Brazil, who currently sit fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings, are not at risk of missing out on the expanded 48-team tournament but are seeking a high-profile appointment to boost their chances of lifting the trophy.

The CBF previously tried to bring Ancelotti on board ahead of the 2024 Copa America but were unsuccessful. Following Brazil’s 4-1 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires and the sacking of coach Dorival Junior, the federation has redoubled its efforts to land their top target.

Ancelotti’s record with Real Madrid is impressive, having secured two La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns across two spells with the club. However, this season has seen mixed results, with Real trailing Barcelona by four points in the league and suffering a heavy 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Should Ancelotti leave, former Real Madrid midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is among the rumored candidates to take over at the Bernabeu. Meanwhile, Brazil hopes Ancelotti’s leadership will inspire a return to World Cup glory when the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.