Brazil extend Carlo Ancelotti's contract until 2030 World Cup

BRASILIA: Brazil's football federation said on Thursday that Carlo Ancelotti will stay on as head coach until the 2030 World Cup, backing the Italian as the five-time champions seek to improve their fortunes on the global stage.

In a statement, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said the new agreement will keep the 66-year-old in charge of the national side until the 2030 tournament. Ancelotti took over last year and guided Brazil to qualification for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.

From the very first minute, I understood what football means to this country. For the past year, we have been working to lead the Brazilian national team back to the very top of the world stage.

Ancelotti said in the CBF statement. He also said he wanted

more victories, more time, more work

The former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Chelsea manager is coaching a national team for the first time. He is also the first foreign coach to lead Brazil since Argentine Filpo Nunez's brief spell in 1965.

CBF vice-president Gustavo Dias praised the decision to retain him, saying:

Ancelotti's resume and career speak for themselves. But beyond that, he is a fantastic human being. We are extremely satisfied.

while CBF president Samir Xaud said the extension formed part of efforts to

keep Brazil at the highest level of world football

Bid to restore Brazil's World Cup standing

Ancelotti was brought in to revive a team that had fallen short in recent World Cups. Brazil were knocked out in the quarter-finals in both 2018 and 2022. Their last semi-final appearance came in 2014, when the hosts suffered a 7-1 defeat to Germany, a result that remains deeply painful for many supporters.

Before Ancelotti's arrival, Brazil had gone through three head coaches after Tite left following the 2022 World Cup.

Since Ancelotti took charge, Brazil have played 10 matches, winning five, drawing two and losing three. Those defeats included a 2-1 loss to France in March.

Squad announcement due on May 18

Ancelotti is set to name his final squad for the tournament on May 18. Brazil will then play a warm-up match against Panama at the Maracana Stadium on May 31.

There is still uncertainty over whether Neymar will be included. The forward has not played for Brazil since 2023 because of a serious knee injury.

Brazil will be based in New Jersey during the World Cup and are drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti.