The long-anticipated move of Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti to take over the Brazilian national team this summer, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, is reportedly off. The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) has ended talks with Ancelotti, apparently due to a termination clause in his current contract with Real Madrid.
Ancelotti remains under contract with Real Madrid until 2026 and is now also being linked with a move to the Saudi Arabian league. Despite previous expectations that he might leave Real Madrid early, potentially due to the team`s performance this season, issues arose in the negotiations. Just days ago, it was widely expected that Ancelotti would depart Real Madrid at the end of the season to take the vacant Brazil job and coach in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Now, Brazil is left scrambling once again after failing to secure Ancelotti. They had previously sacked coach Dorival Junior in March following a significant 4-1 defeat to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier, leaving the future direction of the Seleção uncertain.
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Brazil faces a deadline to submit their list of players for the June international window to FIFA by May 18. Ideally, the new coach would be the one selecting the squad, though it isn`t strictly required for leading the team in the June qualifiers. Reports from Brazil suggest Jorge Jesus is a leading candidate. However, like Ancelotti, Jesus is currently employed, managing Al-Hilal, and his contract runs until the end of the Club World Cup.
Since Brazil`s upcoming international matches are scheduled before the Club World Cup, any potential appointment of Jesus would require reaching an agreement with his current Saudi club. CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues is in a difficult position, and time is pressing. Securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup is not guaranteed, and any new coach will need adequate time to address the balance issues within the Brazilian squad – time that is quickly running out.
Potential Reasons for Real Madrid Departure Speculation
After a season that hasn`t met Real Madrid`s high standards, the club has been eliminated from the Champions League and lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona. While there`s a slim chance they could still win La Liga, such an outcome alone wouldn`t salvage the season as a complete success. With the Brazil move no longer on the table, Ancelotti`s future at Real Madrid remains uncertain, leaving multiple parties in a state of limbo.
