Can Ancelotti fix Brazil and end World Cup hoodoo?

Carlo Ancelotti has agreed to become the head coach of Brazil's national team. This is a significant appointment in international football history. Brazil, known for its beautiful game, is seeking a foreign coach to revive its fortunes. The decision shows their ambition to win and improve the struggling Selecao.

Tim Vickery, a South American football expert, said Ancelotti was the top choice. He has an unmatched record of success across five countries. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, many wonder if Ancelotti can fix Brazil.

Brazil's football dominance has declined over the past two decades. They won two Copa America titles in 2007 and 2019. However, their World Cup record has been disappointing since 2002. They last won the tournament that year and have faced painful exits since then.

The worst moment came in 2014 when Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany while hosting the World Cup. In 2018, Belgium defeated them in the quarter-finals. Their hopes for glory in 2022 ended with a penalty loss to Croatia in the last eight.

Vickery noted that every campaign since 2002 ended against European teams in knockout stages. This trend is part of why they chose a European coach this time. They believe they need someone familiar with European teams to succeed.

Brazil's current World Cup qualifying campaign has raised concerns. Although they should qualify easily, recent performances have been alarming. A humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina sparked calls for answers.

In recent years, managers have come and gone amid pressure for wins. Tite stepped down after Qatar 2022 as planned, while Dorival Junior was sacked after losing to Argentina. This led the Brazilian Football Confederation to launch "Project Ancelotti."

This project will officially start on May 26 when Ancelotti finishes his time at Madrid. Xabi Alonso is expected to take over at Real Madrid then. Vickery mentioned that senior players were not fully supportive of Dorival Junior but will respect Ancelotti.

Historically, Brazil's football federation has avoided hiring foreign managers for its national team. Only three non-Brazilians have ever coached Brazil, managing just seven games total. Ramon Platero from Uruguay was first in 1925 and managed four games.

Joreca from Portugal managed two games in 1944, while Filpo Nunez from Argentina managed one game in 1965. Similarly, Brazil's Serie A league had mostly Brazilian coaches due to cultural beliefs about understanding local football.

This changed with Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus at Flamengo in 2019. Initially doubted for his pragmatic style, he led Flamengo to great success by winning both league titles and Copa Libertadores during his tenure.

Since then, there has been greater acceptance of foreign coaching in Brazil’s domestic league and now internationally as well. Vickery remarked that this change is significant as it opens doors for coaches like Ancelotti who want to work from Europe.

Ancelotti will be the first major European figure leading Brazil’s national team with an impressive trophy collection including five Champions League titles across various leagues.

One of Ancelotti’s strengths is his ability to stabilize teams calmly without drama during high-pressure moments. His composed demeanor helps powerful dressing rooms find stability under stress.

Despite challenges during Real Madrid’s recent season—losing key matches—Ancelotti's past achievements remain influential as he cultivated an elite culture at Madrid leading them to victory in tough situations like the Champions League final against Liverpool.

His tactical expertise combined with emotional composure could help lift a Brazilian side often burdened by expectations and pressure during tournaments.

Brazilian football traditionally balances flair with pragmatism needed for success at high levels; Ancelotti excels at blending these styles throughout his career.

His AC Milan teams featured stars like Paolo Maldini and Kaka playing elegant yet resilient football while maintaining discipline.
At Real Madrid since June 2021, he allowed talents like Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo freedom within structure—a balance crucial for success.

Vinicius Jr enjoys working with him; this appointment excites him greatly according to Vickery.
Casemiro may also return to strengthen midfield concerns alongside Vinicius and Rodrygo who are vital players under Ancelotti’s guidance.

Vinicius’ club career flourished but struggled internationally with only six goals from thirty-nine caps so far.
Critics say he struggles tactically but Ancelotti knows how best to utilize him by simplifying roles while boosting confidence within structured systems.

Ancelotti will shield players from criticism which eases their pressure significantly according to Vickery.
While some Brazilian coaches may wish him failure, players remain unaffected by such sentiments.

Hiring Ancelotti marks a monumental shift for Brazil indicating readiness for change towards reclaiming their status atop world football.
If he can instill stability while unleashing talents like Vinicius Jr—and perhaps inspire Neymar—he might lead Brazil back toward glory.
In doing so, he could redefine modern Brazilian football itself moving forward into new eras ahead!