Ancelotti is ready to make history with Brazil at the World Cup

No country has ever won the World Cup with a foreign-born coach, but Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday there was «always a first time» when he saw glory with Brazil.

The Italian became Brazil’s first foreign coach in 60 years when he took over in May and helped the five-time champions book their ticket to next summer’s World Cup.

Brazil will take on Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, fresh from a 5-0 defeat by South Korea in Seoul last week.

Ancelotti said he aims to make history for himself and his team at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“My goal is to do my best for the Brazilian national team, to help them perform at their best and win the World Cup,” he said.

“Of course, no foreign-born coach has ever won the World Cup, but there is always a first time in life.”

Brazil worked hard to qualify and finished fifth in the South American rankings.

Ancelotti is the fourth coach since Tite resigned following the quarter-final loss to Croatia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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Brazil shone against South Korea, with 18-year-old star Estevao scoring twice and Real Madrid duo Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. were also among the goals.

Brazilian fans hailed the victory as a return to ‘jogo bonito’, but Ancelotti said there was more to his team than that.

“Brazilian players have the quality to play beautiful football, but you have to think about what you mean by beautiful football,” he said.

“Brazilian players have individual quality, but that is combined with teamwork and movement off the ball, and that is very important in football.”

Brazil traveled to Asia without 33-year-old forward Neymar, who was out of action until at least November due to a thigh injury.

Time is running out for Brazil’s record scorer to return to the squad before the World Cup.

Ancelotti said there were no doubts about Neymar’s quality.

“If Neymar is in good condition, of course he can fit into the national team,” he said.

«If Neymar is fit, he can play in any team in the world.»

Japan was the first team to book its place at next year’s World Cup after progressing through Asian qualifying.

The country have never beaten Brazil in 13 attempts and are without a single injured player, including Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu said beating Brazil would give the country the confidence to make an impact in North America.

“We want to win and grow as a team and give everything to this challenge,” he said.

“Brazil is one of the top teams in the world and we respect them, but we have players who play in Europe and gain experience there.”

Published on October 13, 2025