Brazil is on the verge of officially starting the Ancelotti era with the national team.

The moment Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti's joining the Brazilian national team became imminent, after being given the green light by the Brazilian Football Confederation, which in turn set the date of his official arrival and first call-up of players.

According to reports by ESPN, Ancelotti is expected to set foot in Rio de Janeiro on May 26, just two days after his final match with Real Madrid against Real Sociedad in the last round of the Spanish League.

Schedule and Ongoing Preparations

Ancelotti will announce his initial squad for the Brazilian national team while still in Spain, before his scheduled arrival in Brazil on May 26, where he will officially assume his duties during the international break in June, which will see Brazil play two World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.

Ancelotti's first match leading the Seleção will be on June 5 against Ecuador away, while his first home game in Brazil will be on June 10 against Paraguay at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo.

Secret Negotiations and Decisive Developments

Despite the official contract not being signed yet, the Brazilian Football Confederation is gearing up for a new era under Ancelotti's leadership, based on the optimism following recent talks between the parties.

Informed sources revealed that CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues and Technical Director Rodrigo Caetano are the only two responsible for the negotiations with the Italian coach, amid intense communications that took place in Madrid over the past weeks, despite denials from both sides.

Background of the Decision and Acceleration of Steps

Negotiations accelerated after Real Madrid's loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, increasing the likelihood of Ancelotti's departure, especially with the dwindling chances of the royal team winning any titles this season.

Major Challenges Await the Italian Coach

Ancelotti will face significant challenges with the Brazilian national team, currently in fourth place in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers with 7 points, tied with Uruguay and Paraguay, while Argentina leads by a significant margin.

Ancelotti's appointment comes months after the dismissal of Dorival Junior as the national team coach in November, following a heavy defeat to Argentina by 1-4 in the same qualifiers.

Thus, Ancelotti is set for a new challenge in his coaching career, with his first steps with the Seleção closely followed by Brazilian and global football fans.