Italian Carlo Ancelotti aims to make history with Brazil by leading them to their sixth World Cup title and first since 2002, which would make him the first coach to win the World Cup with a national team other than his own, according to reports yesterday.

Ancelotti became the first foreign coach to take charge of the Brazilian national team in six decades when he assumed the role in May, securing his first mission with the “Seleção” by leading them to the World Cup finals scheduled for next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Brazilian team is preparing to face Japan in a friendly match today in Tokyo, just days after their overwhelming 5-0 victory over South Korea in Seoul.

The former Real Madrid coach stated that his goal is to make history for himself and the Brazilian team in the upcoming World Cup, explaining, “My goal is to give my best for the Brazilian national team, to try to push them to give their best and win the World Cup.”

He added, “Certainly no foreign coach has ever won the World Cup (with a team other than his own), but there is always a first time in life.”

Brazil struggled to secure their spot in the 2026 finals, finishing fifth in the unified South American qualifiers.

Ancelotti is the fourth coach to lead Brazil since Tite resigned after their quarter-final exit in the 2022 World Cup against Croatia.

The “Seleção” delivered an excellent performance against South Korea, led by 18-year-olds Estevão and Rodrigo, each scoring two goals, with the other goal scored by Vinícius Júnior.

Brazilian fans praised Ancelotti’s men’s performance in the Seoul match, but the Italian coach believes the team can do better, adding, “Brazilian players have the ability to play beautiful football, but you have to think about what beautiful football means.”

He continued, “Brazilian players have individual quality but it must be accompanied by teamwork and movement without the ball, which is crucial in football.”

Brazil is conducting its Asian tour without its star Neymar, who will be out until at least November due to a thigh injury.

The Brazilian all-time top scorer faces a race against time to regain full fitness to participate in the 2026 summer finals.

Ancelotti sees no doubts about Neymar’s abilities, saying, “If Neymar is in good shape, he can definitely join the national team. If Neymar is physically fit, he can play for any team in the world.”