Brazil played in the 2026 World Cup, but the fifth place finish in South America’s qualifying is the worst in their history, and Carlo Ancelotti still has a lot to do
Carlo Ancelotti has pledged to turn it on at next year’s World Cup after Brazil ended its disappointing qualifying campaign with defeat.
Ancelotti took over as Celecau boss in May and has done a big job in his hands following his departure from Real Madrid. The experienced Italian was in his first international coaching role, discovering how difficult it was after Brazil lost 1-0 in Bolivia.
Miguel Tercelos’ penalty guaranteed that Brazil finished fifth in the final table of South American qualifying rounds, after Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay. They booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the US and Mexico, but Ancelotti now has an unnecessary history that is not attached to his name.
The fifth was the lowest Brazilian finish in the 10-team qualifying league table since it was introduced by Conmebol at the 1998 World Cup, with 28 points finishing with a record low point total. However, they leveled up on points in Colombia and Uruguay. He finished higher due to different goals, one point behind second place Ecuador.
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Their previous Nadir came in 2002 when they came third. They then won the World Cup itself, winning the fifth title in Japan and Korea. Ancelotti hopes to repeat the trick next year.
“Today was a tough game, both technically and physically,” he said after becoming the latest casualty at Bolivia’s Del Alto Stadium, 13,000 feet above sea level. “A special game in every sense. A unique game. We’ll arrive at the World Cup in preparation for upcoming matches.”
He added: “We’re on the right track for the World Cup.” Knowing his side was certain of his place in the World Cup, Ancelotti spinned Bolivian starting XI, starting with Premier League stars Alison Becker, Andrei Santos, Lucas Paketa, Bruno Guimares and Richarrison.
“All players in this group have been doing well all week and will have new opportunities,” he said. “I wanted to use this match to find out some of the players. That’s what happened.”
Ancelotti was in charge of four games, won two games, pulled one and lost one. He took over from Drival’s junior and the fact that he is not Brazilian still draws criticism of the country. Brazilian coach Abel Braga told Globo Esport:
“When I open his jacket, his skin is green and not yellow. There is a certain amount of sadness as no one believes in the Brazilian coach, as the five world titles were won by the Brazilians.”
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