Brazil’s soccer federation announced on Monday that it has reached an agreement with Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti as they look forward to the 2026 World Cup.

The 65-year-old Ancelotti will be the first foreign coach for Brazil in a century, while still having obligations with Madrid until the Spanish league concludes on May 25. He is expected to officially assume his role with Brazil on May 26.

“Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to coach Brazil is more than a strategic movement. It is a statement to the world that we are determined to recover the top of the podium,” said CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues in a statement.
Translation: CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues emphasized that hiring Ancelotti is a significant move for Brazilian football.

Rodrigues added that Ancelotti will oversee Brazil’s next two World Cup qualifying matches, starting with Ecuador on June 5 and then facing Paraguay on June 10 in São Paulo.

Ancelotti’s contract with Madrid is slated to expire next year but is likely to be terminated ahead of schedule.

He is set to replace Dorival Júnior, who managed the team for 14 months before being ousted in March following a defeat to Argentina. Currently, Brazil sits in fourth place in World Cup qualifying after 14 games, with their star player Neymar still recuperating from an ACL injury suffered in 2023.

Bayer Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso, who announced he will depart from the German club after this season, has been rumored as a candidate for the vacant position at Madrid.