Officially, Italian Carlo Ancelotti is the new coach of the Brazilian national team.

Italian Carlo Ancelotti appointed coach of the Brazilian national team

 Officially, Italian Carlo Ancelotti is the new coach of the Brazilian national team.

Italian Carlo Ancelotti, who will step down from Real Madrid at the end of this season, has been appointed the new coach of the Brazilian national team through to the 2026 World Cup, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Monday.

The 65-year-old will oversee the five-time world champions, who are experiencing a difficult period in results. He is expected to be succeeded at Real by young coach Xabi Alonso, who confirmed his departure from his current club, Bayer Leverkusen.

"The greatest national team in the history of football will now be led by the most successful coach in the world," the CBF said in a statement.

"He will lead Brazil through to the 2026 World Cup, and will lead them in their next two qualifying matches against Ecuador and Paraguay next month."

For his part, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) President Ednaldo Rodrigues said, "Appointing Carlo Ancelotti as coach of the Brazilian national team is not just a strategic move, but a way to tell the world that we are determined to return to the top step of the podium."

The CBF sacked coach Dorival Junior following a crushing 4-1 defeat to Argentina in March in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with the Selecao currently fourth in their group.

Ancelotti leaves Madrid as one of the most successful coaches in the history of Real Madrid, having won 15 titles during his two spells with Los Blancos, including last season's La Liga and Champions League double.