Carlo Ancelotti says Brazil can win 2026 World Cup, hails Vinicius Junior’s ‘strong character’

Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti believes his side can go all the way at next year’s World Cup and insists Xabi Alonso has all the attributes to succeed as head coach of Real Madrid, the club Ancelotti managed for six years over two spells.

In an interview with AS published on Wednesday, the 66-year-old spoke candidly on a wide range of topics, including his decision to accept the Brazil job, Vinicius Junior’s “strong character” and the likelihood of Neymar’s return to the international stage.

On Brazil’s chances at the 2026 World Cup

Ancelotti, the only manager in history to win the Champions League five times, enjoyed a distinguished managerial career at the Bernabeu, winning 15 trophies, including three times in Europe’s elite club competition.

He left this summer to become boss of the Selecao, who have not won a men’s World Cup since 2002. But the Italian believes he can enjoy more success at football’s flagship event in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year.

“We have the quality to compete and fight for the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.

“The goal is to win our sixth World Championship, and that’s what we have to keep in mind to stay motivated.

“The passion of the fans is incredible. The stadiums are always full and people are incredibly dedicated to their clubs. And also to the national team. They dream of Brazil competing for titles again.

“It will help us in the World Cup.”

His opinion on Vinicius Junior and Neymar

Despite a team full of talent, much of Brazil’s hopes of triumph will rest on the shoulders of Vinicius, who Ancelotti managed during his time in the Spanish capital.

And while he admits the winger has failed to emulate his club form on the international stage, Ancelotti doubts the 25-year-old’s qualities.

“With the national team, he [Vinicius] failed to reach the level he usually has at Real Madrid.

“But in recent matches he has improved and played very well for Brazil, scoring goals and providing assists. No one can dispute his qualities. Vini is first class.”

Asked about Vinicius’ recent outburst after being substituted during Los Blancos’ 2-1 Clasico win over Barcelona, ​​for which he later apologized but sparked rumors of growing tensions with Alonso, Ancelotti called the player’s actions a “mistake”.

He said: “He [Vinicius] He simply made a mistake that day and needs to understand his new role at Real Madrid, a more important role in the dressing room than before. He made a mistake, he apologized and he must learn from it.

Ancelotti added that losing the 2024 Ballon d’Or after boycotting the ceremony he said had an impact on Vinicius but praised his strength of character.

“It may have affected him a little, but now Vini is close to his best form. He is playing very well and is decisive.

“Vini has a strong character; he doesn’t dwell too much on his mistakes or the criticism he receives. He looks very quickly to the future. I’m sure that Vini will arrive at the World Cup in great shape.”

The Brazil boss did not conclusively rule out a return to the team for Neymar, who has not played for the Selecao since 2023, but Ancelotti suggested fitness could be an issue for the 33-year-old Santos player.

“No one can dispute Neymar’s talent, but he has had injury problems lately,” Ancelotti said.

“He has returned to playing now, but he needs to get back to his best physical condition. This is normal in today’s football, which is very physically demanding and intense.”