Carlo Ancelotti’s seleção: form, stats and defensive solidity | OneFootball

Undergoing changes at the top and in the technical command, the Brazilian National Team, considered one of the great powers of world football, has yet to take off and is the target of strong questioning by a large part of the fans. Looking at the press, Carlo Ancelotti's statistics are causing a stir.

Ancelotti's Brazilian team is in search of great challenges in the coming months. Photo: Flickr/@rafaelribeirorio I CBF

Even with names considered 'distinctive', the yellow jersey has not yet found its path in recent months. In the technical command, the experienced and multi-champion Ancelotti was defined as the ideal name to lead the team to success.

Thus, tactical analysis and strategic choice can make all the difference in the search for the right prediction for today, especially in decisive games, where every action on the field is crucial for the final result.

The negative marks of Dorival Júnior with the Brazilian National Team

Match between Argentina vs Brazil, for the 2026 Qualifiers, marking Dorival Júnior's departure. Photo: Flickr/ Rafael Ribeiro/CBF@rafaelribeirorio

Considered by many as one of the best in Brazil, Dorival Júnior was once seen as the 'guy' to get the team back on track. However, in several key games, the team stumbled, suffered important defeats, and under high pressure, he ended up being dismissed.

At that time, the coach of the Brazilian National Team seemed to have lost credibility behind the scenes. Some questioned changes and behavior on the sidelines did not sit well, culminating in his departure on March 28, 2025.

The situation worsened after the 4-1 defeat to Argentina, their biggest rival, in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, a blow deeply felt by the yellow jersey fans.

The worst defeat in the history of the Qualifiers

The 4-1 loss to Argentina was the worst in the tournament's history. Of course, the Albiceleste, currently world champions, have a qualified squad, but the passivity of the team at that time was alarming.

Led by Lionel Messi and company, the rival showed no mercy in delivering a thrashing that could have been worse. The 'good' part we can cling to is that it wasn't Carlo Ancelotti's Brazilian National Team.

The arrival of the new coach of the Brazilian National Team

Always attentive to the transfer market, the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) ventured into the transfer market and saw Ancelotti as the right name to lead their qualified squad in the coming seasons.

Historically, the veteran has had significant roles, but his time at Real Madrid, which included talents like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Eder Militão, was seen as close to perfection.

The combination of important titles and engaging football with analysis caught the attention of the Brazilian high command. Closing the deal wasn't simple, but the coach accepted the challenge and is in search of his ideal squad.

Carlo Ancelotti's first call-up list

Carlo Ancelotti's first list, of course, caused quite a stir. Without beating around the bush, we can say that the most controversial situation was the absence of Neymar, the great Brazilian star, who has yet to take off with Santos, his current club.

Another situation in Carlo Ancelotti's tactical scheme in Brazil was the presence of Richarlison, who was recently seen as a solution for the yellow jersey's lack of goals, but his drastic drop in performance distanced him from the fans' affection.

In defense, Léo Ortiz, who has been playing very well with Flamengo, was also remembered and generated positive reviews. After all, it's clear that for the National Team's performance with Ancelotti, he will need national players.

Key players in Ancelotti's lineup

Looking at a positive path in Ancelotti's statistics with the Brazilian National Team, some names, especially in the offensive system, stand out. Many are already known to the coach, which greatly facilitates his adaptation in this journey with the yellow jersey.

Always present in Carlo Ancelotti's call-up lists, Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior are the most famous. The latter has been involved in several controversies off the field, but his good performance remains high.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, continues to shine at Real Madrid, now under the technical command of Xabi Alonso. In the total sum of the 2026 Qualifiers results, the duo performed well and is part of the Italian's plan.

Besides them, names like Alisson, Marquinhos, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, and Raphinha are also key pieces of the machinery and should be present in the next Brazilian National Team game.

Brazil reacts in the first national team games and stabilizes in the 2026 Qualifiers results

Carlo Ancelotti's debut as the coach of the Brazilian National Team took place on June 5, 2025, against Ecuador, at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha-ECU, in Guayaquil. On that occasion, the match ended in a 0-0 draw.

The first positive result came against Paraguay, on June 10, at home, at the Neo Química Arena. On that occasion, the yellow jersey won 1-0, with a goal by Vinícius Júnior at the end of the first half.

Following that, there was a positive result against Chile and a defeat to Bolivia in the last Qualifiers game. Brazil finished the Qualifiers in fifth position, with 28 points in 18 matches.

Carlo Ancelotti's tactical scheme in Brazil

In recent matches, Ancelotti has been changing how the team plays. He has been alternating between 4-4-2 and 4-3-3, creating adaptations according to the opponents. The main one is an adaptation with a lighter central forward.

The style is very similar to that practiced at Real Madrid, especially after Karim Benzema's departure, who ended up transferring to Arab football, where he is one of the main highlights.

Thus, Vinícius Júnior or Rodrygo occupy the sector. Another interesting option is João Pedro, who currently plays for Chelsea, England, and is in high demand this season, being a constant presence among the starters.

Ancelotti's statistics with the Brazilian National Team

Considered by many as the best coach in the world, the veteran is in search of new challenges with the National Team. At the beginning, it's clear that there is still much to improve, but the expectation is for success.

Currently, Ancelotti has been present in six participations with the team:

• Matches directed: 6 

• Wins: 3 

• Draws: 1 

• Losses: 2 

• Goals scored by the National Team: 11 

• Goals conceded: 4 

• Approximate performance: 55.5% in the first six games.

Given the technical performance, it's clear that the Brazilian National Team still needs to improve some crucial points. Even thinking about a great performance in the 2026 World Cup, the tests are valid, as there was still a feeling of doubt in the 2026 Qualifiers.

The spot for the 2026 World Cup is already guaranteed

Amid several changes in the CBF's frontline, it's no secret that the fans were apprehensive about the World Cup spot. However, Brazil overcame adversities and secured the spot.

Along the way, the yellow jersey will face other highly regarded teams and will have to find a trump card to win the title, the great dream of all Brazilians. After all, there are still many who have not seen Brazil lift a World Cup.

Next steps for the National Team with Ancelotti for 2026

Looking to the future, the technical commission continues to make changes considered positive. The goal is to test more athletes and then find a team considered ideal for the great World Cup competition.

In the adaptation phase, Ancelotti has already shown signs that the team can go far, but it's important not to let the ball drop. Because of this, friendlies are increasingly important for the athletes.

The challenges of consistency away from home

The support at home is already clear that Brazil will have, now it's about strengthening away from their domains. For this, having a backbone and men of trust in good form becomes essential.

Talking about Ancelotti's talent is redundant, as there are several titles in his extensive gallery. At Real Madrid, his team was praised not only for playing at the Santiago Bernabéu but also away from their field.

The National Team's base begins to take shape for the next FIFA Date

Even with considerable changes, the technical commission seems to have already found a solid base. In goal, there are good pieces, and the defense has several athletes spread across Europe.

In midfield and attack, there are still many vacancies. In the frontline, Brazil has yet to find the 'goal man' and several athletes are still being tested. On the wings, there are also players considered 'heavyweights'.

Upcoming matches for the Brazilian National Team

Ahead, Brazil has matches considered positive for a more in-depth analysis by the technical commission. The idea is to conduct more tests and several national highlights are drawing attention.

• November 15, 2025: Brazil vs Senegal, in London, at Emirates Stadium.

• November 18, 2025: Brazil vs Tunisia, in Lille, France.

Conclusion

Even amid several changes, Brazil remains feared and is considered one of the great favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. The challenge is not so simple, but having a good name on the sidelines is already considered an important step.

In Ancelotti's pre-list, there are already names considered prominent and new surprises should stir up the much-desired list. The technical performance has improved and Neymar's presence is becoming increasingly uncertain.

On social media, his call-up is requested by many, but his physical condition becomes an obstacle. For the 2026 World Cup, there is still time, but the dream seems increasingly distant. There are names pushing for a spot and the star needs to work twice as hard to convince Carlo Ancelotti.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.