Improvisation Didn't Work; Now Ancelotti Has Four Years to Build a Team

Brazil's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following Sunday's (5) Round-of-16 defeat to Norway in East Rutherford, ended the team's worst World Cup campaign since another Round-of-16 exit in 1990. Carlo Ancelotti, however, already has his contract extended through the 2030 World Cup and now has four years to build a stronger foundation.

The road to 2026 was marked by improvisation, with four head coaches before Ancelotti's arrival. He was hired by then-CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, who was later removed by a Rio de Janeiro court over irregularities related to the agreement that secured his election. Samir Xaud took over the confederation and maintained the deal with the Italian coach, providing a level of stability that had previously been lacking.

Full-back Danilo highlighted the change: "I have always been a strong critic of the disorganization and lack of direction," he said, adding that there is now "a plan in place, and players no longer have to deal with situations they shouldn't have to face." He also used the metaphor of Chinese bamboo to explain the need for patience: "You plant the seed and water it for four or five years, building roots and a complex structure. Then it quickly grows several meters."

Initially, Ancelotti relied on experienced players such as Casemiro and Neymar, both 34, but Brazil's iconic No. 10 shirt is now expected to pass to Vinicius Junior, while youngsters such as Rayan, Estêvão, Endrick and Rodrygo take on greater roles in the next World Cup cycle.

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