Carlo Ancelotti Set to Leave Real Madrid for Brazil Job Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti appears to be nearing the end of his Real Madrid chapter, with reports suggesting he’s preparing to take over as the head coach of the Brazil men’s national team through to the 2026 World Cup.

According to a report from The Athletic, the Italian manager has already shared his plans with some of the players inside the Madrid dressing room. And while there’s no official contract signed just yet, the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) is confident that the 65-year-old will be in place in time for their June World Cup qualifiers. ESPN’s Pedro Ivo Almeida and Victoria Leite have also reported that Ancelotti has given the green light for Brazil to start preparing for his arrival. The CBF is hopeful he’ll be on the touchline for Brazil’s upcoming qualifiers against Ecuador on 4th June and Paraguay on 9th June. 

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano added fuel to the fire, tweeting, “Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil have reached an agreement in principle for the Italian to become Seleção head coach for the World Cup 2026. Deal valid from June, NOT after Clubs World Cup. Real Madrid and Ancelotti would part ways nicely with formal steps needed next.” 

Despite his legendary status at Real Madrid, where he has won three Champions League titles and two LaLiga crowns across two stints, this season hasn’t quite gone to plan. Madrid were knocked out by Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals and suffered a painful loss to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. With five games to go in the league, they trail Barça by four points — a tough ask if they want to snatch the title back. 

Ancelotti's potential move comes at a time when Brazil is also in need of leadership. The Seleção have been without a head coach since March, when Dorival Junior was sacked following a shock defeat to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier. Brazil currently sit fourth in the South American qualifying standings. If Ancelotti does take the job in time for June’s qualifiers, Real Madrid will have to make a quick decision about who leads them into the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. There’s the option of bringing in a new manager immediately or appointing someone on an interim basis to steer the ship during that tournament. 

This wouldn’t be Ancelotti’s first stint managing an international side — though it would certainly be the biggest. Brazil are five-time World Cup winners and carry massive expectations every time they step on the pitch. It’s a huge task, but also a fascinating one for a man who’s proven himself across Europe’s top leagues with AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich, and, of course, Madrid. If all goes according to plan, Brazil fans could see Ancelotti in the dugout very soon. It would signal the start of a bold new chapter for the Seleção, with Ancelotti set to become the first foreign manager to take charge of the Brazilian national team in a century — the last being Ramon Platero, who held the role back in 1925.