Carlo Ancelotti has officially been appointed head coach of the Brazil men’s national team, becoming the first foreign manager to hold the post.
The 65-year-old Italian will take over duties on May 26, shortly after concluding his tenure at Real Madrid.
Ancelotti, one of the most decorated managers in football history, will replace Dorival Junior, who was dismissed in March after a 14-month stint in charge.
His first match at the helm will be a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on June 6.
The announcement was confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Monday.
Though Ancelotti had one year remaining on his contract with Madrid, all parties reached a mutual agreement on his early release, with Diego Fernandes representing the CBF in facilitating discussions.
Real Madrid has yet to officially comment on his departure.
CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues hailed the appointment as a bold and ambitious move, saying in a statement, “Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil is more than a strategic move.”
“It’s a statement to the world that we are determined to regain the top spot on the podium. He’s the greatest coach in history and now he’s in charge of the greatest team on the planet.”
Ancelotti’s contract will initially run through the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Brazilian federation sees his arrival as pivotal in their quest to secure a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
