Romario demands Ancelotti's immediate sacking after Brazil's World Cup flop

Brazil's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment with a round of 16 loss to Norway, and football icon Romario is demanding immediate action. The 1994 World Cup winner has publicly called for the dismissal of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, stating the manager is unfit to continue leading the national team.

“

If I were the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), I would break that contract. There is no way he can continue.

Romario, who also serves as a senator, declared that if he were president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), he would terminate Ancelotti's contract, which was recently extended until 2030. He described the World Cup performance as a "fiasco" and asserted that the current project lacks a future. The former Barcelona striker holds Ancelotti significantly responsible for the 2-1 defeat, specifically questioning tactical decisions like substituting midfielder Bruno Guimarães for Éderson, which he felt weakened the team.

Beyond tactical choices, Romario also criticized the squad selection and Ancelotti's inability to instill a distinct playing identity in the team. While acknowledging the players' role in the elimination, Romario insisted that the primary change must start with the coaching staff. He suggested that Ancelotti's foreign status has led to softer criticism than a Brazilian coach would face in a similar situation, implying a national coach would have already been fired.

“

He shares great responsibility for the 2-1 defeat against Norway.

The CBF, however, has publicly backed Ancelotti, reiterating its confidence in his project leading up to the 2030 World Cup. This support comes despite the team's elimination in the round of 16, the earliest since 1990, and a 24-year drought without a World Cup title. Romario's strong words add to a chorus of criticism from various Brazilian football figures following the team's early exit.

“

The main change must start from the bench.