Ancelotti aims to revolutionise Brazil after the 2026 World Cup wound

The first break of the 2026/27 season allows Carlo Ancelotti to launch his second look at the Brazilian national team, which must reinvent itself to overcome the painful wound of the 2026 World Cup and aim again for the five‑time champion that the horizon suggests.

Tactical review and structural problems

The new post‑World Cup chapter highlights that the wound from the 2026 World Cup is more painful than it seems. Ancelotti's arrival was presented as a tactical advance and as an opportunity to discover profiles and talents that fit the playing vision. However, the Italian coach's self‑criticism has exposed ongoing errors and offered a framework for future improvement. Despite the harsh criticism from fans, the Brazilian Football Confederation has not backed down from granting full powers to ‘Carletto’.

Ancelotti considers several formations, from the desired 1‑4‑3‑3 to the dynamic 1‑4‑2‑3‑1, without ruling out options such as the defensive 1‑4‑4‑2 or the offensive 1‑4‑2‑4. Brazil must correct tactical errors that cause it to break down easily, improve control of the tempo, and manage opponent transitions better. Only then can it prevent the lack of game dominance from becoming a constant again.

The urgencies of a Brazil forced to improve in a few months before a World Cup exposed the reliance on an old guard without guaranteed replacement. Key injuries, such as those to Casemiro and Danilo, were decisive in preventing improvement. Even Neymar, injured, remained in the squad as a possible saviour, highlighting the scarcity of alternatives.

The real opportunity of the ‘Ancelotti era’ arrives now, with enough time to cement the tactical reality in high‑level friendlies and, above all, in the tough test of the 2028 Copa América. A victory in that tournament could indelibly seal the Italian coach's work.

New faces and competitive horizon

The first call‑up after the World Cup has included seven newcomers who receive Brazil's call for the first time: Arthur Dias, Jair Cunha, Matheuzinho, Mauro Júnior, Vitor Reis, Breno Bidon and Gabriel Bontempo. Ten call‑ups play in the Brasileirão, which shows the intention to boost creativity in midfield and defence, areas where inconsistency was palpable.

The return of youngsters such as João Pedro and Estevão, together with the debutants, drastically reduces the average age of the group, which drops from almost 29 years in the World Cup squad to almost 25 years in Ancelotti's new list. This reduction reflects the goal of creating a more dynamic generation less dependent on experience.

Vinícius and Raphinha remain the offensive pillars that attract the most attention, especially because of their expected performances at clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid. Their prominence will be decisive for the attack, already populated by players like Estevão, to maintain the threat that has historically characterised the ‘canarinha’.

Brazil is preparing for the upcoming international commitments: two matches against Australia on September 25 and September 29 and the historic first encounter against India on October 3, according to the official squad.