Carlo Ancelotti responds after overseeing Brazil's historically poor World Cup campaign

Carlo Ancelotti has promised that Brazil will turn it on at the World Cup next year after ending their disappointing qualifying campaign with a defeat.

Ancelotti took over as the Selecao boss in May, following his departure from Real Madrid, and has a big job on his hands. The experienced Italian is in his first international coaching role and discovered just how difficult it is after Brazil lost 1-0 in Bolivia.

Miguel Terceros’ penalty ensured that Brazil finished fifth in the final table for South American qualifying, behind Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay. They have booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico, but Ancelotti now has an unwanted piece of history attached to his name.

Fifth is the lowest Brazil have finished in the 10-team qualifying league table since it was introduced by CONMEBOL for the 1998 World Cup and 28 points is their lowest ever points total too. However, they did finish level on points with Colombia and Uruguay, who finished higher due to goal difference, and just one point behind second-placed Ecuador.

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Their previous nadir came in 2002, when they came third – although they did then triumph at the World Cup itself, claiming their fifth title in Japan and South Korea. Ancelotti is hoping to repeat that trick next year.

“Today was a difficult game, both technically and physically,” he said after his side became the latest victim of Bolivia’s Municipal de El Alto Stadium, which sits 13,000 feet above sea level. “A special game in every sense. A unique game. We’ll prepare well for the upcoming matches and arrive at the World Cup in good shape.”

He added: “We’re on the right track for the World Cup.” Knowing his side were assured of a place at the World Cup, Ancelotti rotated the starting XI in Bolivia, with Premier League stars Alisson Becker, Andrey Santos, Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes and Richarlison all starting.

“All the players in this group will have new opportunities because they worked very well all week,” he said. “I wanted to use this match to get to know some of the players, and that’s what happened.”

Ancelotti has now taken charge of four games, winning two, drawing one and losing one. He took over from Dorival Junior and the fact he isn’t Brazilian is still attracting some criticism in the country. Brazilian coach Abel Braga told Globo Esporte: “It bothers me. I'm not talking about the quality of the person; everyone who knows him personally says he's very good.

“It's just that when you open his jacket, his skin isn't green and yellow. The five world titles were won by Brazilians, so there's a certain sadness, because no one believes in the Brazilian coach.”

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