Brazil turn to Ancelotti to end 24‑year World Cup drought

Brazil have placed their World Cup hopes in the hands of Carlo Ancelotti, convinced the Italian can guide them to a long‑awaited sixth title. The Selecao have not lifted the trophy since 2002, matching the 24‑year gap between their 1970 and 1994 triumphs. Ancelotti, 66, arrives with unfinished business on the international stage and a résumé unmatched in modern football, boasting five Champions League titles and league crowns in Europe’s major nations.

Brazil’s recent World Cup record has been underwhelming, with four quarter‑final exits and the traumatic 7‑1 defeat to Germany in 2014. After Tite’s departure in 2022, both Fernando Diniz and Dorival Junior failed to stabilise the team. Ancelotti guided Brazil through qualifying, finishing fifth, and has since experimented with systems in friendlies. His squad blends continuity and experience, with eight starters from 2022 retained and ten players in their thirties, though injuries have sidelined Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Estevao.