Since taking over the Brazilian national team, Carlo Ancelotti has experienced a roller coaster of emotions, results, and tactical tests. With a record of three wins, one draw, and two defeats, the Italian coach faces the demanding task of turning a talented squad into a competitive and consistent team capable of challenging for the 2026 World Cup.
After six games — four in World Cup qualifiers and two friendlies — we can already outline the main traits of Ancelotti’s Brazil: the progress made, the recurring flaws, and the areas that still demand attention.
A Solid Defense, an Identity in the Making
Ancelotti’s first move was to rebuild Brazil’s defensive organization, an aspect that had clearly declined since the 2022 World Cup. His debut against Ecuador ended in a goalless draw away from home — a result that showcased a compact and disciplined backline, though the side offered little going forward. It wasn’t a performance to thrill the fans, but as far as first impressions go, it ticked the box for control and composure under pressure.
Against Paraguay in São Paulo, the structure remained solid, but the approach was far more aggressive. Using a bold setup with four forwards, Brazil applied consistent pressure and found their breakthrough with a goal from Vinícius Júnior, confirming that this version of the Seleção can be lethal when it presses high and attacks directly.
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Then came the 3–0 victory over Chile at the Maracanã, Brazil’s most convincing display so far. The team dominated from start to finish, while Lucas Paquetá, Luiz Henrique, and Bruno Guimarães impressed, even coming off the bench. The substitutions maintained intensity and showcased the depth available to the new boss.
Fragile Moments and Lessons to Learn
Reality struck in the fourth game: a 1–0 defeat to Bolivia at 4,100 meters of altitude in El Alto. It was a first for Ancelotti, who watched his players struggle physically and creatively. Despite the tough conditions, the performance revealed a pattern: Brazil loses control away from home and tends to retreat too deeply instead of asserting itself.
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That issue resurfaced in the friendly against Japan. Brazil stormed ahead 2–0 but collapsed in the second half, losing 3–2 in a fashion that evoked painful memories of past World Cup meltdowns. Individual mistakes and tactical lapses proved costly — evidence that Ancelotti’s men still lack focus and composure in longer, more demanding matches.
Before that setback, Brazil’s 5–0 demolition of South Korea was arguably the high point of Ancelotti’s short tenure. The team displayed fluid attacking patterns, high pressing, and dynamic movement from youngsters such as Estêvão and Rodrygo. Defensively, the side looked balanced and proactive.
The performance was a statement, proof that this team can be more than just solid. It can mix technical flair, creative expression, and tactical discipline, the core ingredients of any world-class contender.
Tests and tactical rotations
Across these six matches, Ancelotti has already called up 45 different players, with 39 getting minutes on the pitch. A clear sign of experimentation.
One standout discovery has been Alexsandro, the Lille defender who earned praise from both local and international media after his commanding display against Paraguay.
Ancelotti admitted that the games against Japan and South Korea were meant as tests, just like the upcoming November friendlies versus Senegal and Tunisia. His plan is to experiment freely throughout 2025, in order to establish a fixed core for 2026.
Tactical identity: flexible and adaptive
Tactical flexibility has always been one of Ancelotti’s trademarks, and his early days with Brazil are no exception. In just a few weeks, he has used at least three different system: 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and even 4-2-4 in specific phases.
He seems intent on striking the right balance: a side that defends compactly, presses aggressively, and attacks with volume, yet still has the maturity to control the game’s rhythm when facing resilient opponents or tough environments.
What’s still missing
For all the encouraging signs, there are still obvious gaps in Ancelotti’s project. Brazil needs consistency on the road. Both Bolivia and Japan exposed a recurring weakness in mentality and structure when playing outside familiar territory.
Another issue is mental resilience. The Seleção often struggles to stay composed once things go wrong, as seen after conceding against Japan. And while tactical variation is useful, the team must generate more creativity and penetration against deep-sitting defenses.
The trend is upward
Brazil’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup is already secured, giving Ancelotti freedom to experiment, fine-tune tactics, and rotate personnel without the immediate pressure of results.
His journey is only beginning, but the trajectory points in the right direction. The Italian manager has shown the ability to push Brazil toward higher-quality football, to surprise opponents with variety, and to impose a clear competitive identity.
If he manages to fix the team’s concentration lapses and away game fragility, Brazil will head into the 2026 World Cup not just as a traditional powerhouse, but as a genuine title contender once again.