Who is the coach of Brazil at the 2026 World Cup?: Carlo Ancelotti, appointed in June 2024. The Italian manager Left Real Madrid after winning a record fourth Champions League title. He announced Brazil's 55-man preliminary squad on 9 May 2026.Source: CBF
Why did Ancelotti leave Real Madrid for Brazil?: Ancelotti had agreed to take the Brazil job before Real Madrid's 2024 Champions League campaign ended. His departure was controversial in Madrid but had been agreed in advance with CBF. He joined after completing the Real Madrid season.
Who is Carlo Ancelotti and why is he managing Brazil?: Ancelotti is an Italian manager who joined Brazil in June 2024 from Real Madrid, where he won four Champions League titles — a record. He announced Brazil's preliminary 55-man World Cup squad on 9 May 2026.
What is Ancelotti's record as Brazil manager?: Ancelotti took over in June 2024 after leading Real Madrid to Liga and Champions League success. Under him, Brazil qualified for the 2026 World Cup and are considered pre-tournament favourites. He is the first manager to win four Champions League titles.
Is Neymar in the 2026 World Cup squad?: Yes. Ancelotti included Neymar in Brazil's 55-man preliminary squad announced on 9 May 2026, marking his return to international football after an ACL injury in October 2023. The final 26-man selection is due on 18 May.Source: Lowdown

Background

Carlo Ancelotti named Brazil's preliminary 55-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on 9 May 2026, confirming Neymar's return to the international fold after a 30-month ACL injury absence and ruling out Real Madrid pair Rodrygo and Éder Militão through injury. The final 26-man squad is to be announced on 18 May at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

Ancelotti was appointed Brazil head coach in June 2024, arriving from Real Madrid where he had won four Champions League titles across two stints and a record-breaking Liga title. He became the first coach to win the Champions League four times. His appointment caused controversy in Madrid, where fans and officials wanted him to stay; Real Madrid and Brazilian officials negotiated a delayed start so Ancelotti could complete the season.

Ancelotti brings a possession-based, attacking philosophy and has the advantage of a generation of Brazilian talent at the world's top clubs. At 66, the 2026 World Cup is a rare occasion where a club manager of his standing takes a national team role mid-career. Brazil enter the 2026 tournament as one of the pre-tournament favourites, ending a World Cup final drought stretching back to their 2002 victory.