Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that one of his decisions during Brazil’s Round of 16 match against Norway played a major role in the team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to ESPN, Ancelotti said he believes the turning point came during a second-half hydration break. He explained that he wrongly thought Brazil had lost control of the match, even though the team was still performing well.
Because of that, he made tactical changes that disrupted Brazil’s rhythm and allowed Norway to take advantage. He said the changes created space for Erling Haaland, who scored the goal that helped eliminate Brazil from the tournament.
Ancelotti accepted responsibility for the decision, saying he misread the situation and made changes that ultimately hurt his team’s performance.
The Brazil coach also said the national team does not need to copy the playing styles of world champions Spain or France to succeed.
Instead, he believes Brazil should focus on improving its own style of play, especially in midfield. He added that upcoming competitions, including the Olympic Games, could help the coaching staff identify new players who can strengthen the team for future tournaments.
