Carlo Ancelotti: 'I Think We Lost the World Cup During the Hydration Break Against Norway'

Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti has offered a self-critical assessment of the team's performance in the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that a crucial turning point occurred during a hydration break in their match against Norway. Ancelotti admitted that he made flawed decisions from the bench during that interval, which ultimately contributed to the team's elimination.

The Seleção suffered a surprising exit in the Round of 16, losing to Norway, managed by Erling Haaland. This defeat was considered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, with the Italian coach accepting partial responsibility for the outcome. Speaking to ESPN, Ancelotti explained that he felt Brazil had complete control of the game until the hydration break.

"I think we lost the World Cup during the hydration break against Norway," Ancelotti stated. He elaborated that his misinterpretation of the game's flow led him to make substitutions that disrupted the team's balance. "Until that moment, the team was in control. It's true that Norway had a lot of possession in their half, they played the same way against England. Perhaps my mistake was believing we had lost control of the match, when that wasn't the case."

Ancelotti acknowledged that his interventions from the sideline altered the dynamics of the match, inadvertently giving Norway the opportunity to score the decisive goal. "I made some changes to the lineup, and then the problem with Erling Haaland's goal arose," he said. The coach's reflection highlights the fine margins in high-stakes tournaments and the significant impact of tactical decisions, even during brief pauses in play.