Carlo Ancelotti has never been a coach bound by a single idea. At Real Madrid he managed Galácticos, at AC Milan he oversaw dynasties, and now, in a twist few expected, he is Brazil’s first foreign manager in more than half a century. His early imprint on the Seleção is clear: organization, resilience, and a collective responsibility to defend.
Trying to stem the leak
Brazil was in a fragile stage before Ancelotti’s arrival, conceding 16 goals in 14 matches. For once, World Cup qualifying became an anxious watch. But Ancelotti’s first three games flipped that narrative. A scoreless draw in Ecuador, a narrow 1-0 win in Paraguay, and a 3-0 home victory against Chile delivered three straight clean sheets. Another shutout against Bolivia would make him the first Brazil manager to keep four in a row at the start of his tenure.
The shift has come less from changing formations than from changing habits. Forwards are the first line of defense. “When the forwards work hard, the team defends well. Modern football is in the hands of attackers, and if they show commitment, the defense benefits,” Ancelotti said. Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli echoed it: “He demands attitude from all of us… We must give everything from the first minute, and that’s what he expects.”
That ethos is visible across the pitch. Wide players track back, midfielders close central gaps, and fullbacks stay connected rather than flying forward recklessly. Brazil often sits in a compact 4-4-2 block, then presses in numbers when triggers appear. The approach doesn’t erase their flair, but it anchors it in discipline.
Anchors and leaders
The biggest change was the recall of a former Real Madrid hero, Casemiro. The Manchester United midfielder reclaimed the holding role and restored structure. “The national team needs these players who have charisma, personality, talent,” Ancelotti explained. Casemiro has been the screen in front of the defense, breaking attacks and guiding younger teammates. Fans call him “the locksmith” for good reason.
Meanwhile, Marquinhos has shouldered the captain’s duties with quiet authority. The Paris Saint-Germain defender organizes the line, steps out when needed, and keeps the group compact. Ancelotti has also inserted fresh faces like Gabriel Magalhães without breaking the unit’s rhythm. That flexibility marks a contrast to the rigidity of Dunga’s Brazil or the pragmatic structure of Tite, whose teams were stingy but less fluid.
Fullbacks remain a work in progress. Danilo, Vanderson, and Douglas Santos have each featured, and Ancelotti continues to search for balance between attacking thrust and defensive caution. But the demands are clear: no passengers, everyone defends.
What comes next for Ancelotti’s Seleção
The appointment of a foreigner drew debate in Brazil. Rivaldo admitted he preferred a local coach but gave Ancelotti his blessing, saying he would “assemble a strong, balanced team, uniting the best of European and Brazilian football.” Cafu described the choice as “fantastic.” Even those skeptical have been softened by the early results. Casemiro noted, “The fans believe, the locker room is united, and everything feels right.”
Among supporters, memes have circulated of Ancelotti in an Italian suit building a “defensive wall” in front of Brazil’s goal. Fans call it the “Europeanization” of the Seleção. Others call it “boring but unbeatable,” with many countering that solidity was exactly what the team had lacked.
What’s certain is that Brazil’s path to the 2026 World Cup looks steadier than it did a year ago. The 4-1 home defeat to Argentina had been branded humiliation. Now, with clean sheets and points secured, Brazil has climbed the table in CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifying.
Looking further ahead, the stakes are higher. Brazil has not lifted the trophy since 2002, and every coach is judged by that drought. Ancelotti joked, “Brazilian society wants me to deliver a World Cup title after 24 years… what a tall order.” He knows a strong defense is the key. All the while, the likes of Neymar and Rodrygo remain out of the attack. He could call on them soon enough. But it’s the structure behind them, anchored by Casemiro, led by Marquinhos, and drilled by Ancelotti, that may finally make the difference.
