Ancelotti Expected to Lead Brazil for June World Cup Qualifiers

RIO DE JANEIRO (April 29, 2025) — The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) anticipates Carlo Ancelotti will take over as head coach of the Brazil national team in time to guide the five-time world champions through a critical pair of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers in June, sources told ESPN Brasil.

Though a formal agreement has not been finalized, recent discussions between the Real Madrid manager and the CBF have sparked optimism. According to sources close to the matter, Ancelotti has given the green light for Brazil’s football authorities to begin preparations for his arrival.

May Arrival Expected in Rio

The CBF plans for Ancelotti to land in Rio de Janeiro on May 26, just two days after Madrid’s final LaLiga fixture. That timeline would position him to lead Brazil into matches against Ecuador on June 4 and Paraguay on June 9, both vital clashes in South American qualification.

Ancelotti remains under contract with Real Madrid through June 2026. However, ESPN reported Sunday that he is set to meet with club president Florentino Pérez in the coming weeks to discuss an amicable departure at season’s end.

End of an Era in Madrid?

Despite being one of the most decorated coaches in Los Blancos’ history, with three UEFA Champions League titles and two LaLiga crowns over two stints, this season has fallen below expectations. Madrid bowed out to Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals and suffered a Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona last weekend. They now trail Barça by four points in LaLiga with five matches remaining.

Brazil Rebuilding After Coaching Shake-Up

Brazil has been without a permanent manager since Dorival Júnior was dismissed in March following a shocking loss to Argentina. Currently fourth in CONMEBOL’s qualifying standings, the Seleção sees Ancelotti’s appointment as a stabilizing force ahead of a vital international window.

If the Italian tactician does make the switch, Real Madrid would be left scrambling ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, likely needing to appoint a new head coach or name an interim.

Following Saturday’s Copa del Rey loss, Ancelotti was tight-lipped about his future, telling reporters:

“Whether I continue [at Madrid] is an issue for the coming weeks, not for today.”

With the footballing world watching closely, the next chapter for Ancelotti — and the fate of both Brazil and Real Madrid — hangs in the balance as June approaches.