Ancelotti’s Challenge: Guiding Brazil in the World Cup

Legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti took the helm of Brazil’s men’s national team in May 2025. At the time of his appointment, ESPN’s Gabriele Marcotti remarked, “A foreigner crossing the ocean to take on the complicated ecosystem of Brazilian football and guiding the green-and-gold to their record sixth World Cup in 2026? Now that hasn’t been done. If there’s one coach who could change that, it’s Ancelotti.”

As Brazil enters the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup, they rely on Ancelotti’s expertise more than ever. The team suffered a significant setback when Raphinha was sidelined due to a hamstring injury obtained in the match against Haiti on June 19. Despite his absence, Brazil managed to defeat Scotland 3-0 in the group stage finale. However, they barely overcame Japan with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 32 on June 30.

The situation became more challenging when midfielder Lucas Paquetá left the game against Japan mid-match due to a leg injury. By the following day, ESPN Brasil reported that imaging had revealed Paquetá suffered a grade 2 muscle injury in his left thigh, jeopardizing his chances of playing in the remainder of the tournament. The medical team plans to follow an intensive treatment protocol to assist in his recovery and possible return to the field.

Paquetá had started all the World Cup games for Brazil before his injury. According to Fabrizio Romano, Paquetá will miss the upcoming match against Norway in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 5.

Despite these adverse events, Brazil remains competitive. With Alisson in goal and a sturdy defense, along with the skills of Vinícius Júnior, Ancelotti still has a formidable team. The question remains whether Ancelotti can lead Brazil to victory in this major tournament, as he has done countless times before.