CORNERFLICK
Carlo Ancelotti says Brazil can win the 2026 World Cup, as he backs his squad to turn lofty expectations into motivation.
The Italy coach, who took charge of the national team in summer 2025, said success at the tournament will depend on more than individual talent. He pointed to team unity, sacrifice and mental readiness as key factors, and argued that flexible sides tend to go further in modern football than teams built only around stars.
Brazil head into the tournament with concerns still unresolved. Their qualifying campaign was not convincing, while injuries to players including Rodrygo and Estêvão have complicated Ancelotti’s preparations. Neymar’s situation also remains unclear.
Ancelotti has responded by reshaping the side tactically. Brazil have used a 4-4-2 system with a direct, counter-attacking approach, and recent matches have shown quicker transitions from defence to attack.
Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães have helped steady the back line, while Ancelotti still sees Neymar as the team’s technical leader. Brazil are chasing a sixth world title, 24 years on from their last triumph.