Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti Faces Pressure To Win Historic 6th World Cup Title

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker empathizes with Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian coach expected to guide Brazil to a record sixth World Cup title.

“His role carries more pressure than that of the nation’s president,” the Seleção’s top goalkeeper said.

Brazil remains unbeaten in 20 World Cup opening matches since 1934, having won 17 of them, and now faces African champion Morocco on Saturday night.

Having dominated the world with Pelé, samba-style soccer, and iconic canary‑yellow jerseys, Brazil was once the model for other nations.

No longer. Brazil has not lifted the trophy since 2002 and has reached the quarterfinals only once since, a devastating 7‑1 loss to Germany in the 2014 semifinals on home soil in Belo Horizonte.

“We aim to rewrite history and restore Brazil to its rightful place at the summit,” striker Vinícius Júnior said Friday through an interpreter. “We stand on equal footing with the other major teams.”

Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, falling 2‑0 to France four years ago. The Atlas Lions controversially won their continental title in January after a 1‑0 loss to Senegal; they were awarded a 3‑0 forfeit because Senegal’s players left the pitch for 15 minutes in protest of a penalty awarded to their opponent.

Brazil is currently ranked sixth worldwide, while Morocco sits at seventh.

“In modern football there is no such thing as a small‑time team,” Ancelotti said through an interpreter. “They are certainly prepared for the challenge.”

In their only World Cup encounter, Brazil defeated Morocco 3‑0 in the 1998 group stage, with goals from Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Bebeto.

“We all respect Brazil. Some say it’s not the Brazil of old, but it’s still Brazil,” Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi said through an interpreter. “They are passionate, love football, possess great qualities, and are determined to win this World Cup.”

During Brazil’s run to the 1994 World Cup title in the United States, Bebeto’s iconic baby‑rocking celebration — joined by Romário and Mazinho — became famous.

Ancelotti would welcome more celebratory dancing.

“Dancing is not prohibited under FIFA’s new regulations; it’s allowed,” he said. “They aim to maximize playing time, but celebrations and dances remain permissible.”

Brazil Anticipates High Hopes at Home

Brazilian supporters are divided — some merely expect a title, while others demand nothing less.

“We have the chance to compete for victory,” Ancelotti said in English, “and we feel confident.”

Ancelotti, the first non‑Brazilian to coach Brazil at a World Cup, assumed the role in May 2025 after Dorival Júnior. He has won a record five Champions League titles with AC Milan and Real Madrid and is the only coach to have captured championships in all five major European leagues.

“I respect him greatly; I’ve read all his books,” Hakimi said playfully. “Perhaps that gives me an edge — I know his secrets.”

Hot Weather Forecast for New York Region

A temperature of 88 °F (31 °C) is forecast for kickoff at MetLife Stadium, the venue for the July 19 final.

“We’re accustomed to the heat; we’re Africans,” Hakimi said.

Morocco and Brazil Captains Are Friends — Until the World Cup

Hakimi and Brazil captain Marquinhos, PSG teammates, helped their club secure a second consecutive Champions League title on May 30.

Hakimi said he took two days off before beginning World Cup preparations.

“When we play together at PSG we share a good laugh, but on the World Cup pitch we’re not teammates,” Hakimi said. “We’ll still talk, of course, yet each of us wants to win, and may the best prevail.”

Neymar Remains Sidelined With Calf Injury

Selected for his fourth World Cup at age 34, Neymar continues to recover from a torn right calf, and Ancelotti confirmed he will not be available for Saturday’s match.

“We hope to have him back in full training next week,” Ancelotti said. “When we selected Neymar, we did so not only for his undeniable talent but also for his experience, to serve as a role model for the younger players in our squad.”

Source link