Brazil chief keen on extending Carlo Ancelotti’s contract

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) president Samir Xaud says the federation is preparing to begin negotiations on extending Carlo Ancelotti’s contract, with an intention to keep the former Real Madrid manager in charge beyond the 2026 World Cup.

Ancelotti, whose current agreement runs through the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, recently stated publicly that he would be open to remaining with Brazil until 2030. Xaud confirmed on Wednesday that the CBF is encouraged by the Italian’s position and wants formal discussions to start early next year.

“I see this conversation in a positive light,” Xaud said, indicating that both sides are aligned on a long-term project. “He already said in an interview that it depends on both sides. I always believe in building a working relationship. Everything is there for it to succeed.”

According to reports, the CBF intends to secure an extension before the start of the 2026 tournament to ensure continuity regardless of the team’s performance. Ancelotti, 66, was appointed earlier this year after leaving Real Madrid and has since made winning Brazil’s sixth world title his stated priority.

Brazil’s last World Cup triumph came in 2002, and the closest they have come since was a fourth-place finish on home soil in 2014. The CBF views Ancelotti’s experience, tactical stability and success in major competitions as key elements in rebuilding the national team and strengthening long-term planning.

If finalized, the extension would underline Brazil’s commitment to maintaining managerial stability through the next cycle and reinforce Ancelotti’s central role in the country’s long-term football strategy.