Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave his position as Real Madrid head coach with the Brazil national team his most likely destination.
The Athletic reported in March that Brazil are interested in Ancelotti leading the team into the 2026 World Cup, with the Italian the first candidate for the vacancy and Al Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus also on their shortlist. Ancelotti is described by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) as “the president’s dream”.
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Ancelotti has a number of options available — including staying at Madrid in a non-coaching role — but his preference is to join Brazil, who are searching for a new head coach following the sacking of Dorival Junior in March.
Ancelotti has made public assurances that he will only leave Madrid if the club’s board decide to part company with him, although Brazil are in advanced talks with the 65-year-old.
The Athletic understands an emissary from the CBF attended Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday night, with the intention of meeting with Ancelotti that week.
The Brazilian FA denied they had sent an emissary to Madrid when contacted by The Athletic. “The matter is being dealt with only by the executive general co-ordinator of the men’s national teams, Rodrigo Caetano, and president Ednaldo Rodrigues,” a CBF spokesman said. “Both are in Rio de Janeiro.”
Brazil are keen to appoint a new head coach before the next international break — when they resume their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
Madrid must clarify their managerial situation ahead of their involvement in the newly-expanded Club World Cup, which commences on June 14.
The Spanish champions had been due to talk to Ancelotti regarding his future following the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26.
Madrid have sounded out Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso this season and the former Spain international is in pole position to replace the Italian should a coaching change take place.
Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal earlier this week, but remain in the hunt for a domestic double: they trail Barca by seven points in La Liga with seven rounds of matches remaining, although they have played one game fewer and have still to play Hansi Flick’s side.
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