Hydration break tactical changes led to Haaland’s goal, says Ancelotti

Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has conceded that his tactical decisions during a hydration break might have been the turning point in their 2026 FIFA World Cup loss to Norway. The Italian coach reflected on the match, stating that Brazil was in control until the scheduled stoppage, despite Norway holding long spells of possession.

Ancelotti explained his misjudgment during the break. He mistakenly believed the team had lost control of the game and consequently made several tactical changes. "That’s where my mistake may have been, thinking that the team had lost control of the game when it hadn’t," he told ESPN.

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I think we lost the World Cup during the hydration break against Norway. Until that moment, the team was in control.

These substitutions, according to Ancelotti, disrupted Brazil's rhythm and allowed Norway to seize the advantage. Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal, securing Norway's victory and ending Brazil's quest for a sixth World Cup title. Ancelotti praised Norway's disciplined performance but accepted full responsibility for the defeat, acknowledging that his tactical adjustments proved costly.

The loss means Brazil's World Cup campaign is over, while Norway advances to the next round. The match highlighted how crucial maintaining tactical consistency can be, even during brief interruptions.

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That’s where my mistake may have been, thinking that the team had lost control of the game when it hadn’t.