CBF Eyes Coach for Brazil Until 2026

The 2024-25 season has thrust Carlo Ancelotti into a storm at Real Madrid. A crushing 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals in April has fueled criticism of the Italian coach, who has been at the helm of the Spanish giants since 2021 in his second stint. Despite unwavering support from club president Florentino Pérez, the team’s inconsistent performance, including a four-point gap to Barcelona in La Liga, keeps Ancelotti under intense scrutiny. As he navigates pivotal matches, such as the return leg against Arsenal and the Copa del Rey final, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) watches closely, dreaming of securing him to lead the Brazilian national team toward the 2026 World Cup.

At Real Madrid, pressure is nothing new for Ancelotti, who boasts 188 wins in 260 matches in his current tenure. However, recent stumbles, particularly the looming Champions League elimination, have reignited debates about his future. Known for his composure in crises, the Italian emphasized that his fate will be decided at the season’s end, with his contract running until June 2026. The Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, scheduled for late April, is a potential turning point to ease tensions or deepen uncertainties.

Meanwhile, the CBF sees Ancelotti’s instability as an opportunity. Following Dorival Júnior’s departure in March after a 4-1 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifiers, the Brazilian body has renewed its pursuit of the Italian. The organization, led by president Ednaldo Rodrigues, previously approached him in 2023 before his Real Madrid contract renewal but now plans a fresh move, contingent on the Spanish club’s results in the coming weeks.

• Real Madrid’s Immediate Challenges: Overturning the Arsenal deficit in the Champions League and defeating Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.
• CBF’s Ambition: Ancelotti is the top target to lead Brazil until the 2026 World Cup.
• Ancelotti’s Contract: Valid until June 2026, backed by Florentino Pérez.

Real Madrid’s Crisis and Ancelotti’s Challenges

Real Madrid kicked off the 2024-25 season with high expectations, but the Arsenal defeat exposed tactical vulnerabilities that sparked criticism. Key players like Vinicius Júnior, with only six goals in 23 matches in 2025, have underperformed, and a lack of intensity in high-stakes games has drawn scrutiny. Ancelotti, however, insists the issues are collective, refraining from singling out individuals. Trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga with just eight rounds left, the title race is an uphill battle, while the Copa del Rey final offers a chance for redemption.

Despite the struggles, Florentino Pérez’s support remains steadfast. The Real Madrid president has praised Ancelotti’s haul of 11 titles since 2021, including two Champions Leagues, as evidence of his ability to weather storms. Pérez’s backing is a vital asset for the coach, but the outcomes of the next few weeks will be decisive in shaping his future at the club.

Brazil’s Dream: Ancelotti for the National Team

In Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti’s name inspires hope for the national team. The CBF, under pressure after years of underwhelming results, including early World Cup exits, views the Italian as the ideal leader to rebuild the squad. The March loss to Argentina, which led to Dorival Júnior’s exit, underscored the urgency for a high-caliber coach. Ednaldo Rodrigues has lauded Ancelotti’s experience and ability to manage star-studded rosters, qualities suited for a Brazil team brimming with talents like Neymar, Vinicius Júnior, and Gabriel Martinelli.

The pursuit of Ancelotti is not new. In 2023, the CBF made an attempt before his Real Madrid renewal, but he opted to stay in Spain. With the coaching position open again, the organization plans to wait for the European season’s outcome, aware that an early Champions League exit or a Copa del Rey loss could pave the way for talks. The goal is to appoint a new coach by the June international break, ahead of the Club World Cup.

• Why Ancelotti?: Four Champions League titles, experience with Brazilian players, and adaptable tactics.
• Risks of Waiting: Delays in appointing a coach could amplify criticism of the CBF, as seen after Tite’s departure.
• Other Candidates: Jorge Jesus, Abel Ferreira, and José Mourinho are options, but none match Ancelotti’s allure.

A Track Record of Resilience

Ancelotti is no stranger to high-pressure situations. At 65, the Italian has built a career defined by resilience, leading clubs like Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich. At Real Madrid, his first spell (2013-2015) delivered a Champions League, and his current tenure has yielded 11 trophies. In 2023, a Champions League loss to Manchester City sparked doubts, but Ancelotti bounced back with a strong season, securing a contract extension.

His ability to keep the locker room united is a key strength. Despite recent criticism, players like Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham have publicly backed Ancelotti, praising his calm leadership and strategic insight. The coming week is critical, with the Champions League return leg against Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu requiring a three-goal victory to keep hopes alive.

Real Madrid’s Next Steps

Real Madrid’s season is reaching its defining moments. Beyond the Arsenal clash, the club faces Alavés in La Liga, aiming to close the gap to Barcelona. The Copa del Rey final in late April is a golden opportunity for Ancelotti to prove his worth and ease the pressure. A win against their archrival would not only secure a trophy but also bolster confidence among fans and the board.

Off the pitch, Ancelotti faces additional challenges. Allegations of tax fraud in Spain, involving around $1.2 million, have led to a four-year prison request from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The coach denies the accusations and remains focused on his duties, but the case adds complexity to his situation.

CBF’s Urgency and the Weight of Tradition

The Brazilian national team is at a crossroads. The loss to Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers exposed ongoing weaknesses, with fans demanding structural changes. The CBF, criticized for decisions like appointing Fernando Diniz as interim in 2023, knows the next coaching choice is pivotal. Ancelotti’s stellar résumé makes him the prime candidate to unify a talented but inconsistent squad.

The prospect of a foreign coach sparks debate. Brazil has never had a non-Brazilian manager at a World Cup, and Ancelotti’s arrival would break that tradition. While some fans embrace the innovation, others advocate for local names like Jorge Jesus, who shone at Flamengo, or Abel Ferreira, a two-time Libertadores champion with Palmeiras. José Mourinho, currently unattached, is also mentioned but lacks the same appeal.

Key Dates for Ancelotti and CBF

The coming months will shape Ancelotti’s future and the CBF’s plans. The European season is nearing its climax, with matches that could determine the coach’s fate at Real Madrid. For the CBF, balancing patience with urgency is critical to securing a coach capable of meeting lofty expectations.

• April: Copa del Rey final against Barcelona and Champions League return leg against Arsenal.
• May: La Liga concludes, with Real Madrid chasing the title.
• June: Club World Cup begins, and CBF’s deadline to name a new coach.

The Impact of a Potential Move

Ancelotti’s potential move to Brazil would be historic. Beyond breaking the foreign coach barrier at a World Cup, his expertise could transform the national team into a dominant force. Players like Vinicius Júnior, familiar with his methods, would be central, while veterans like Neymar could thrive under his flexible tactics.

At Real Madrid, Ancelotti’s departure would usher in new faces. Xabi Alonso, currently at Bayer Leverkusen, is a leading candidate, offering a modern approach and ties to the club’s history. The transition would be complex, given Ancelotti’s towering legacy and the demand for immediate results.

Ancelotti’s Crisis Playbook

Ancelotti’s career is a testament to overcoming adversity. At Milan from 2001 to 2009, he silenced doubters to win two Champions Leagues. At Chelsea, he claimed the Premier League in 2010 under constant scrutiny. His Bayern Munich stint was less successful but showcased his grit in tough scenarios. At Real Madrid, the 2022-23 season tested his mettle, but a strong recovery secured his stay.

Now, Ancelotti faces a similar challenge. Reversing the Arsenal deficit, winning the Copa del Rey, and keeping Real Madrid in the La Liga race demand precision and leadership. His ability to stay calm and rally the squad will be under the spotlight, with the football world watching closely.

Brazil’s Ambition and Future Challenges

The Brazilian national team is in a rebuilding phase. After years of subpar results, including early World Cup exits, fans crave a clear vision for 2026. The CBF believes Ancelotti’s global experience can be the catalyst for a new era. His affinity for Brazilian football, shown through praise for the country’s heritage and success with players like Kaká, Ronaldo, and Casemiro, bolsters his appeal.

In the short term, the CBF must manage the interim period. A temporary coach, as seen with Diniz, remains an option, but the focus is on landing Ancelotti. The wait carries risks, especially with mounting pressure for results in the World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 Copa América.

• Brazil’s Strengths: Talents like Neymar, Vinicius Júnior, and Gabriel Martinelli.
• Challenges: Uniting the squad and restoring fan confidence.
• Expectations: Ancelotti as the leader for the 2026 World Cup.

Balancing Madrid and Brazil

Ancelotti’s fate hinges on Real Madrid’s results. A Champions League elimination paired with a Copa del Rey loss could end his tenure, opening the door for the CBF. Conversely, a successful turnaround would solidify his position and delay Brazil’s hopes. Each match is a chance for the Italian to prove his worth or fuel speculation about a move.

For the CBF, patience is a gamble. The need for a permanent coach before the next international fixtures is pressing, and alternatives like Jorge Jesus and Abel Ferreira are ready to step in. Yet, Ancelotti’s name continues to dominate, with his potential to elevate Brazil on the global stage unmatched.