Brazil legend Cafu has voiced unwavering confidence in Carlo Ancelotti’s ability to revive the Selecao’s identity and restore the team’s confidence as the five-time world champions prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Brazil captain, who lifted the World Cup trophy in 1994 and 2002, said Ancelotti possesses the experience and leadership qualities required to guide a national team that has struggled to meet expectations in recent editions of football’s biggest tournament.
Writing in Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Cafu praised the former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager as one of the finest coaches the sport has ever produced.
“We are talking about one of the most successful and respected coaches in football history,” Cafu wrote, as quoted by Football Italia.
“His international experience, his ability to manage great players and his calmness are fundamental qualities for a national team that, in recent years, has shown plenty of talent but has often fallen short at the decisive moments.”
Cafu believes Ancelotti’s composed personality and proven leadership will provide Brazil with the stability it has lacked in recent years. The former right back said the Italian coach is capable of rebuilding the confidence and identity that have traditionally defined Brazilian football.
Brazil has endured a series of disappointing World Cup campaigns since winning its fifth title in 2002, frequently entering tournaments among the favorites but failing to reach the ultimate prize. According to Cafu, rediscovering the team’s traditional style and mentality will be just as important as tactical preparation.
The 55-year-old reflected on Brazil’s triumphant 2002 World Cup campaign under Luiz Felipe Scolari, recalling how unity and a relaxed atmosphere helped transform an already talented squad into world champions.
“Mister Felipe Scolari gathered us together and said the atmosphere wasn’t right; we needed more joy,” Cafu recalled.
“Ronaldinho didn’t need to be told twice. He immediately started creating a rhythm that everyone embraced. From that moment on, the group became more relaxed and we lived each day with much greater ease.”
“That team was incredibly strong, but the difference also came from our unity, our smiles and our desire to be together,” he added.
Cafu suggested that rebuilding those same values will be essential if Brazil hopes to reclaim its place at the top of world football under Ancelotti’s leadership.
The former AC Milan defender also expressed optimism about Brazil’s prospects in next year’s tournament, predicting the Selecao will make a deep run despite recent inconsistencies on the international stage.
Cafu said he expects Brazil to reach at least the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, arguing that Ancelotti’s tactical knowledge and ability to handle elite players could prove decisive when the knockout rounds begin.
Brazil enters the tournament seeking its first World Cup title in nearly a quarter-century, with Ancelotti carrying the responsibility of ending one of the longest championship droughts in the nation’s football history. For Cafu, however, the ingredients for success are already in place, provided the team can rediscover the confidence, togetherness and joyful style of play that have long defined Brazilian football.
