RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti plans to make youth development and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics central to his preparations for the next World Cup after Brazil’s round-of-16 loss to Norway in 2026.
The 67-year-old Italian, who remains affected by the defeat, intends to monitor Brazil’s younger age groups closely during the four-year buildup to 2030. He discussed that project during an exclusive interview at the Brazilian soccer confederation’s headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, speaking inside the museum that houses much of the national team’s silverware.
Olympics could shape Brazil’s 2030 squad
Ancelotti believes Brazil can improve without copying defending World Cup champion Spain or France. He considers the defense and attack well stocked but wants to strengthen and develop the midfield, with the Olympics offering an important opportunity to identify players.
Brazil’s victory over Spain in the Tokyo Olympics gold medal match has become a frequent reference point around the national team. Brazil won 2-1, but only Bruno Guimaraes and Matheus Cunha from that squad went to the 2026 World Cup. Eight Spanish players from the Olympic final, along with coach Luis de La Fuente, later became World Cup winners.
Ancelotti said Brazil’s senior staff is working with the U-15, U-17 and U-20 coaches to find prospects, follow their development and prepare them for 2030. He cited Rayan, who was playing at U-17 level four years earlier, as an example of why that work must begin well before the next tournament.
The coach also wants Brazil to move away from relying on one defining star. His priority is a cohesive side built around several high-level players rather than a single reference point.
Australia and India friendlies begin new cycle
Brazil’s next cycle will begin with three friendlies, including two against Australia and one against India. They will be the first matches of the rebuilding period for Brazil’s first full-time foreign coach.
Ancelotti expects pressure to remain through the 2028 Copa America. He believes Brazil’s eventual 2030 squad could combine players who reach that continental tournament with younger options who compete at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Striker Neymar is not part of the coach’s plans for the new cycle. The 34-year-old was selected for the 2026 tournament despite serious questions about his fitness and has repeated that he believes his Brazil career is finished.
Ancelotti described Neymar’s departure as part of the natural course for a major player reaching the end of an important national-team period. Although their time together was limited, the coach praised Neymar’s professionalism and willingness to help, adding that an injury prevented him from reaching full fitness from the opening game.
Ancelotti commits to Brazil through 2030
Ancelotti said his decision to remain with Brazil until 2030 and reject interest from the Italian soccer federation was based on commitment rather than contracts. The Italy position, with the national team he represented as a player, ultimately returned to Roberto Mancini after Italian officials considered Ancelotti.
He credited the Brazilian soccer confederation for continuing to support him, particularly after the Norway defeat, and said the reception he received in Brazil strengthened his commitment. Ancelotti delivered those comments in improving Portuguese, which he has studied with a teacher and through a language app.
The loss also revived memories of 1994, when Ancelotti was an Azzurri assistant as Italy lost the World Cup final to Brazil in a penalty shootout. He said the Norway elimination has been even harder to absorb because international football does not offer the quick chance for redemption that follows a club defeat.
Ancelotti acknowledged that he still thinks about the result more than usual. His task now, he said, is to learn from the defeat while shifting his attention toward the team Brazil can build for 2030.