The weight of a nation’s footballing dreams rests heavy on the shoulders of Carlo Ancelotti. Tasked with steering Brazil towards the 2026 World Cup, the Italian tactician inherits not just a squad of unparalleled talent but also the immense pressure of a quarter-century wait for football`s ultimate prize. As the qualifying rounds continue, the “unfinished product” of Ancelotti`s Seleção is slowly taking shape, a delicate balancing act between immediate results and a long-term vision to restore Brazilian dominance.
The Ancelotti Blueprint: Madrid Echoes and Brazilian Rhythms?
When Carlo Ancelotti declared that his Brazil would play “like Real Madrid last year,” not the current iteration, he set a rather intriguing benchmark. For those unfamiliar with the nuances of European football, this wasn`t merely a throwaway comment. It implied a team characterized by tactical discipline, clinical efficiency, and a profound understanding of how to manage games – traits that saw Real Madrid dominate both domestically and continentally. The question, however, is whether such a philosophy can be seamlessly woven into the vibrant, often improvisational fabric of Brazilian football, the revered `Joga Bonito`.
Early outings, a goalless draw against Ecuador and a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay, have offered only glimpses of this transformation. These results, while pragmatic, have certainly left fans yearning for the customary flair and goal-scoring prowess Brazil is historically known for. It appears Ancelotti is prioritizing defensive solidity and tactical structure first, a potentially sensible approach given the demands of international tournaments, but one that is inherently patient. Crafting a Real Madrid-esque machine from a team often celebrated for its individual brilliance is a monumental task, requiring a blend of strategic rigidity and creative license.
The Elephant Not in the Room: Neymar`s Evolving Role
Perhaps no single aspect of Ancelotti’s early tenure has generated more discussion than the recurring absence of Neymar. For the second consecutive international window, Brazil`s talisman has been sidelined, sparking a minor media tussle between the coach and the player. Ancelotti cited a “minor injury” and a lack of need to “test” the 33-year-old. Neymar, however, offered a contrasting narrative, asserting his fitness and attributing his omission to “technical reasons.”
This evolving saga prompts a crucial question: Is Ancelotti subtly, yet definitively, beginning to pivot Brazil away from its heavy reliance on Neymar? For years, the team`s fortunes have been intricately linked to his mercurial talent. While undoubtedly a generational player, his injury record and the constant media spotlight have often overshadowed collective efforts. Ancelotti, a coach known for handling superstar egos, may be using this period to foster greater collective responsibility and explore alternative attacking dynamics. It’s a bold move, effectively testing the waters of a post-Neymar Seleção, a transition that, if handled correctly, could forge a more resilient and less predictable unit.
A New Guard Emerges: Youth, Veterans, and Shifting Sands
With high-profile players like Vinicius Junior reportedly being rested and Rodrygo navigating his club status, Ancelotti has seized the opportunity to cast a wider net. The current squad features a compelling mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, all vying for a coveted spot on the World Cup roster. This strategic experimentation is crucial for Ancelotti, as he evaluates depth and versatility across positions.
Players like Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur, who appears to be finding his scoring boots after an injury-plagued season, and Chelsea duo Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian, exemplify this blend. Joao Pedro, with his impressive goal tally since joining the Blues, and the surprisingly impactful 18-year-old Estevao, represent the future. Their inclusion not only provides fresh impetus but also sends a clear message: every player, regardless of pedigree, must earn their place. This injects a competitive edge into the squad, ensuring that complacency remains firmly on the sidelines.
The Road to 2026: More Than Just Qualifying
For Brazil, World Cup qualifying matches are rarely just about securing a spot in the tournament – that`s almost a foregone conclusion. These fixtures serve as critical proving grounds, tactical laboratories, and psychological benchmarks. The upcoming match against CONMEBOL bottom-dwellers Chile presents a prime opportunity for Ancelotti`s “unfinished product” to showcase progress. It`s a chance for the attack to truly gel, for new partnerships to blossom, and for the team to demonstrate a clearer understanding of Ancelotti`s intricate demands.
The 24-year drought since their last World Cup victory in 2002 looms large over every training session and every match. This isn`t merely a statistic; it`s a profound yearning embedded in the national psyche. Ancelotti`s mission is not just to win, but to build a dynasty, to instill a winning culture that can withstand the immense pressure of global expectations. The September window, with its favorable matchups, is less about points and more about patterns, less about individual brilliance and more about collective cohesion. It`s the painstaking process of turning a collection of stars into a truly unified constellation.
Dominic Ashworth