Carlo Ancelotti is the highest paid manager in Brazil’s history at $12 million a year. After a round of 16 exit against Norway, that check is starting to look like a really bad investment.
Brazil’s 2026 World Cup run ended with a 2-0 loss to a Norwegian side that simply wanted it more. But the real story isn’t just that they lost. It’s how they lost. And who Ancelotti decided to trust in the biggest moments.
The selection decisions before the tournament raised eyebrows. Danilo at 34. Alex Sandro at 34. Casemiro at 34. Neymar at 34, clearly not fit. None of them should have been on that plane to the United States. Casemiro and Danilo combined on a disastrous play that led to Japan’s goal in the round of 32, but Ancelotti kept them in the lineup anyway. Both got exposed again against Norway’s speed and physicality.
Then came the 67th minute. Scoreless game. Ancelotti brings on Neymar as a center forward. A guy who could barely run. Vinícius Júnior and Endrick got pushed wide. Norway’s midfielders strolled through the middle like it was a training session. Brazil basically played with 10 men for the final half hour.
Erling Haaland feasted. First goal came from the right side where Endrick was stuck covering for a right back who probably should have retired before this tournament started. Second goal was worse. Nobody closed Haaland down. He drilled a low rocket into the far corner and the Brazilian defense just watched.
Ancelotti has reportedly been told he’ll keep his job. The target is 2030. That’s 28 years since Brazil’s last title. The fans are furious and honestly, they have every right to be.
The bigger problem is this squad needs a full rebuild. Alisson won’t be there. Neymar won’t be there. Casemiro and Danilo definitely won’t be there. So why didn’t Ancelotti bring young guys like Breno Bidon from Corinthians, Andrey Santos from Chelsea, or Vitor Reis from Manchester City to at least get World Cup experience? That decision is going to haunt him.
There’s some young talent to build around. Bournemouth’s Rayan, Real Madrid’s Endrick, Chelsea’s Estêvão. That front line could be special in a couple years. But right now Brazil is looking at a rebuild that might take the rest of the decade, and the scars from this tournament won’t heal fast.
The work toward 2028 and 2030 starts now. Ancelotti doesn’t get to make these mistakes again.
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