The Brazilian Football Confederation stood by Ancelotti after the national team's elimination from the World Cup

Brazil’s shocking elimination at the hands of Norway (1–2) in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup prompted an emergency meeting of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Despite intense pressure from fans and the media over the “five-time champions’” worst result since 1990, the leadership decided to keep Carlo Ancelotti as head coach. 

CBF Director of Football Rodrigo Caetano stated that the federation is seeking to end the long-standing crisis and chaos and is prioritizing stability this time around. 

Dismissing the 67-year-old Italian coach was deemed inadvisable, as a long-term preparation cycle is tied to him, and a major overhaul of the national team’s roster is scheduled for September. An additional factor in the coach’s favor was his new four-year contract, signed on the eve of the World Cup. Ancelotti, who has led the team since May 2025, remains the highest-paid coach in the world with a salary of 10 million euros per year, and his contract runs until mid-2030.

The Italian coach himself called for unity on his social media, noting that despite the great pain of the defeat, his confidence in the team’s future remains unchanged, and his work for the Brazilian national team will continue.

Source: Footmercato.

Brazil’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup following a 1–2 loss to Norway in the Round of 16 was met with strong emotions in the locker room. According to Brazilian media reports, Neymar, with tears in his eyes, addressed his teammates and the coaching staff, thanking everyone for the journey they had shared.