Brazilian federation stands by Ancelotti after World Cup exit against Norway

Confidence despite disappointment

Ancelotti, a 67-year-old Italian, had only recently extended his contract, which he signed in May, until 2030. That gave him roughly one year to prepare the team for the tournament in North America – a period that many observers criticized as tight. With Ancelotti, the CBF is pursuing the goal of winning Brazil's sixth World Cup title.

Caetano also acknowledged errors in the preparation to the news agency Reuters. Among the central causes for the early exit, he cited the lack of "adequate, long-term stable leadership." "We must not make this mistake again," said Caetano, announcing consequences in the structural work.

Structural deficits acknowledged

The background to the debate is a phase of personnel turbulence at the CBF. Since the beginning of 2023, three interim coaches had led the team before Ancelotti took over. This fluctuation had made the sporting line and planning more difficult, according to federation circles.

With the clear public backing for Ancelotti, the federation is trying to calm the public debate and give the Italian coach time for a rebuild. At the same time, the CBF is under pressure to address the structural problems in youth and federation work.

High pressure of expectations for the next cycle

Observers rate the decision as risky: should Ancelotti miss the hoped-for success in the next World Cup cycle, a separation would be even more expensive in view of the contract running until 2030. At the same time, the Italian is considered internationally as one of the most experienced club coaches, which is intended to give the CBF leeway in personnel planning.

What is clear is that the defeat against Norway has further raised the level of expectation in Brazil. The World Cup title, the declared seasonal goal with Ancelotti, remains the benchmark – and the federation's confidence is expressly tied to this goal.