Ancelotti confident ‘Italy will qualify for World Cup’, but names two possible surprises

Carlo Ancelotti is confident that Italy will qualify for the 2026 World Cup and hopefully meet Brazil in the Final: ‘Emotionally, it would be wonderful.’

Brazil coach Ancelotti released an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, talking about next year’s World Cup, among other things.

Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy will likely be forced to go through the playoffs to qualify, but Ancelotti is confident the Azzurri will reach their target.

“They’ll have to fight again through the playoffs, which is always complicated. I hope they qualify; they must qualify. Honestly, I think they will,” Ancelotti said.

“Then, we’ll meet in the final, and everyone will be happy. Italians, Brazilians and me especially. Emotionally, it would be wonderful.”

Who are the favourites to win the World Cup next year?

“France, Spain, England, Germany, Argentina, Portugal. The usual ones,” Ancelotti replied.

“But be careful. With 48 teams, there will surely be surprises. Tomorrow we play Senegal, who beat England 3-1. They’re very strong. Same for Morocco, they’re doing great. You have to be ready and prepared.

“I’m expecting a great World Cup. We’ll see what the draw says, especially geographically. Playing in three countries means venues can really matter.”

Does Ancelotti feel more pressure or passion as the new Brazil coach?

“More passion than pressure. It’s incredible how much they love football here. For now, we’re playing friendlies, people feel the team is improving, and that’s how it will be until the World Cup.”

The Italian tactician, a five-time Champions League winner, believes it is “not true” that Brazil fans necessarily want to see their national team play well.

“Brazilians want to see the national team win the World Cup. Of course, if you play well, you have better chances of going far, but in 1994 and 2002, they had great forwards yet won thanks to a very solid defence. I think it will be the same in the next World Cup,” he argued.

“We have high-level veterans and talented youngsters. We’re surrounded by incredible passion. They ask us to win the World Cup, and that’s what we’ll try to do. Brazil has been waiting far too long; they want the sixth title.”

When asked whether he misses life at a club, Ancelotti replied: “Not at all, not even a little.”

The former Milan and Real Madrid coach, in fact, is captivated by the atmosphere in the Brazil national team.

“The environment is completely different from a club. At the training camp, we play cards and spend time together,” he said.

“We talk, phones are the second or even third priority. There’s a lot of discipline. The veterans lead the group and the youngesters follow along not only without issues, but with enthusiasm.

“There’s truly a great atmosphere. I don’t want to sound romantic or nostalgic, but it feels like going back to my Roma days, when we travelled by train because Liedholm didn’t like planes. I think it’s about a shared culture, everyone speaks the same language, which is fundamental as it helps unite the group. There’s a great ‘companerismo’ to use a Spanish word. I wasn’t used to it anymore, and it’s very nice, a pleasant surprise.”