Brazil has qualified for the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after remaining undefeated through their team stage and winning their first knockout round. Led by manager Carlo Ancelotti, the Selecao have displayed highly qualified football. They are currently scheduled to face Norway in a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash. Brazil topped Group C on goal difference just ahead of Morocco. Carlo has turned Brazil into potential World Cup winners. (https://sports.yahoo.com>Brazil-boss-Ancelotti<)
I learned that Brazil arrived at the World Cup with several open wounds. Since Qatar in 2022 there were four changes of manager, 95 players called up and a political crisis, including the ousting of Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president. It has been a big mess, with many uncertainties, and mood the fans was one of pessimism. But then Carlo Ancelotti arrived. Gradually under the Italian, the team has taken shape and transformed its relationship with fans, who are dreaming of a sixth World Cup after 24 years without one, the longest such drought along with the period between 1970 and 1994.
I understand from the media reports that Carlo Ancelotti has become a shield for the players. Even the most experienced ones, such as Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos & Casemiro, feel more at ease having such a great figure on the bench, the most successful manager in the Champions League, with 5 titles.
Evidently, Alisson, who is playing in his third world Cup, revealed “It's undeniable that this World Cup 2026 cycle has been real difficult for us players, but since Ancelotti's arrival, the atmosphere has been transformed. He gives us the peace of mind that comes from an environment focused on work, without having to worry about controversies or other issues.” In support, Marquinhos reaffirmed, “Our team wasn't in great form, but Ancelotti made the necessary changes. He's very smart. He knows how to get the best of the players he has and help them improve. He managed to change our mindset and created a philosophy centered on wellbeing.”
Share your passion for football through #GilaBola and stand a chance to win cash prizes worth up to RM1,200!
Find out how to join here. Don't miss out! T&Cs apply.
Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact creator@newswav.com.
