(foto: Getty Images)
Carlo Ancelotti has officially qualified Brazil for the 2026 World Cup, reaching his first major milestone since taking charge of the five-time world champions.
Brazil sealed their qualification with a victory over Paraguay, thanks to a winning goal from Vinicius Junior, one of Ancelotti’s trusted stars from his time at Real Madrid.
There were no scenes of wild celebration, as qualifying for the World Cup is considered standard for Brazil. The Seleção are the only nation to have played in every World Cup since the tournament's inception in 1930.
This was only Ancelotti’s second match as Brazil coach, yet he has already delivered the result expected of him—confirmation of Brazil’s spot at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With qualification secured, the focus now shifts to the bigger goal: winning the World Cup. Brazil haven’t lifted the trophy since 2002, when a team led by Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho triumphed in Japan and South Korea.
Under Ancelotti’s guidance, Brazil hope to end that two-decade wait and add a sixth star to their legendary badge.