The Brazil Football Federation (CBF) anticipates Carlo Ancelotti will become the national team\'s head coach in time for June\'s World Cup qualifiers, according to sources who spoke with ESPN\'s Pedro Ivo Almeida and Victoria Leite.
While no formal agreement has been finalized between the Real Madrid manager and Brazil, recent discussions have generated optimism about the appointment. Sources indicate Ancelotti has authorized the CBF to begin planning for his arrival, with expectations he will be in Rio de Janeiro by May 26, just two days after Real Madrid\'s final LaLiga match of the season.
The 65-year-old Italian\'s potential move comes after a disappointing season with Real Madrid, where his team was eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals and lost to Barcelona in Saturday\'s Copa del Rey final. Madrid currently trails Barcelona by four points in LaLiga with five matches remaining.
ESPN reported Sunday that Ancelotti, whose contract with Madrid runs until June 2026, is scheduled to meet with club president Florentino Perez to negotiate his departure at season\'s end. Despite his decorated tenure with Real Madrid, including three Champions League titles and two LaLiga championships across two spells, this season\'s underperformance may have accelerated his exit.
Brazil has operated without a permanent coach since March when Dorival Junior was dismissed following a defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying. The five-time world champions currently sit fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifying table ahead of crucial matches against Ecuador (June 4) and Paraguay (June 9).
Should Ancelotti leave Madrid for the Brazil position, Real would need to appoint a new manager or interim coach to lead the club in this summer\'s FIFA Club World Cup.
\"Whether I continue [at Madrid] is an issue for the coming weeks, not for today,\" Ancelotti stated following Saturday\'s Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona.