Ancelotti confident Brazil can compete with any team at 2026 World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti, the celebrated Italian coach, is set to make his World Cup debut leading Brazil in the 2026 North American tournament. He expressed strong confidence in the five-time champions, stating they possess the individual quality and preparation to challenge any team.

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We have a team that can compete with all the teams in the world, we are convinced of that. It is a team with quality and experience, which has absolute confidence that it can compete with everyone.

"We have a team that can compete with all the teams in the world, we are convinced of that," Ancelotti said at a press conference in East Rutherford, New Jersey. "It is a team with quality and experience, which has absolute confidence that it can compete with everyone."

Despite the team's inconsistent recent form and several key absences, including injured forwards Rodrygo and Estêvão, Ancelotti remains optimistic. Neymar, sidelined with a right calf injury sustained in May, is expected to return to training next week. "Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible," the coach noted, emphasizing the player's value beyond his undeniable technical skill, citing his experience and leadership for the younger squad members.

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It is a new experience, it is a new responsibility to represent the country of football (...) They are two words: responsibility and honor. It is a unique and very beautiful moment in my career.

Brazil, who last won the World Cup in 2002, will face Morocco in their opening match of Group C. Ancelotti described the upcoming World Cup as a highly "balanced" tournament. The team's preparation has been thorough, fueling his optimism for their debut.

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Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. We called him up not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for the experience and example he can give to the young players in the group.