Brazil have confirmed the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as their new coach ahead of the final stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Italian manager is expected to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season to take over the Selecao national team on May 26.
Ancelotti has endured a difficult season at the Santiago Bernabeu with the club sitting seven points behind leaders Barcelona in the race for the La Liga title.
He is set to lead them to their first trophyless season in four years but he has enjoyed an overall successful second spell at the club.
Ancelotti has won 15 trophies across his two spells at Real Madrid including a league and Champions League double last season.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed in a statement on Monday that Carlo Ancelotti will become the country’s first-ever foreign coach.
The statement read: “The greatest national team in the history of football will now be led by the most successful coach in the world. Carlo Ancelotti, synonymous with historic achievements, was announced this Monday by the president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, as the new coach of the Brazilian national team.
“He will lead Brazil until the 2026 World Cup and will already coach the team in the next two qualifying games against Ecuador and Paraguay, next month.”
Brazilian Football Confederation President, Ednaldo Rodrigues said appointing Carlo Ancelotti as the team’s coach is a statement signing.
He said: “Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil is more than a strategic move. It’s a statement to the world that we are determined to regain the top spot on the podium.
“He’s the greatest coach in history and now he’s in charge of the greatest team on the planet. Together, we will write glorious new chapters for Brazilian football.”
Ancelotti will replace Junior Dorival who was sacked in March following Brazil’s inconsistent performances in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.