Can Ancelotti become the first Italian to lift the World Cup with Brazil?

Carlo Ancelotti is chasing another record at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with only one coach having won domestic titles in each of Europe’s top five leagues and the Champions League five times. The 67-year-old Italian has won trophies at clubs including Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and AC Milan over the past two decades. Ancelotti took charge of his first World Cup campaign as head coach this month, having previously served as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant for Italy at the 1994 tournament. He is now leading the Brazil national team, where his side have won two and drawn one of their opening three group games. Brazil secured top spot in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Scotland, finishing level on seven points with Morocco but ahead on goal difference. Ancelotti said after the match: “Now we are playing as a team, that is the goal. We are not perfect, we have things to improve.”

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He added: “We can be a little quicker when we have control. I’m happy because the team has improved a lot, now we are solid. In the knockout stage, solidity is very important. We have a solid team. Compared to the first game, we are making fewer mistakes, we have more rhythm, and we are more effective up front.” Vinícius Júnior, who played under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, has scored four goals in three games for Brazil at the World Cup. Ancelotti said: “It is satisfying to see Vini shining because I had no doubt about how he could arrive at this World Cup. For him, it is an honour to play for the national team.” He continued: “He is doing very well, he also scored with a header, which is very rare for him. I’m not the one who is going to discover Vini. For me, Vini is top class. He is one of the best in the world, obviously.” The Seleção’s next match is scheduled for the knockout stage, where Ancelotti will look to guide Brazil beyond the group phase for the first time as head coach.