The Brazilian national anthem has become somewhat synonymous with the FIFA World Cup™. The shortened, pre-match version plays to a certain point, and then the fans and players continue singing the rest of the words a cappella.
It makes the hairs on the back of Brazilians’ necks stand up, and it also moves an Italian. Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to become the first foreign coach to lead out a Brazilian men’s team at a World Cup, wants to be a part of that moment in 2026.
“Hearing the national anthem is very special for any player or coach representing the Seleção”, Ancelotti told FIFA. “I want to learn it. I have a year to try to be able to sing it with the players. I would really like that.”
In a wide-ranging interview, ‘Carletto’ also discusses the Brazil team of 1970, playing alongside Falcao, why he took the Seleção job, and his desire to lift football’s most prestigious prize at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Carlo Ancelotti: Many things, because it’s different to a club job. There is also the beauty of a city like Rio and the passion that people have for football here. The last few days here have been great, to be honest, and I’m feeling good, thanks to the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and the players. Everything has gone well so far. We’ve already qualified, so we have the time we need to prepare well for the FIFA World Cup. I’ve been really enjoying this spell. Living in Rio is, as they say in Portuguese, ‘muito bonito’.
Because I thought that managing the Brazilian national team – the most successful national team in history, with more World Cup trophies than any other nation – would be a great opportunity. The thought of coaching the Brazil team was exciting. The opportunity came up and I went for it. I also have to thank Real Madrid, of course, for allowing me the chance to enjoy this new experience.
Being part of the Italy team at the World Cup was incredible. We got to the final, but we lost on penalties. It was a great experience, especially for me, because it was my first time as an assistant coach. It was fantastic, I learned a lot with [Arrigo] Sacchi [about] the excitement of preparing for a World Cup and the sacrifices you have to make to get to a final.
My first real memory of Brazil is 1970, when they played Italy in the final. I was 11 years old and I remember that the Seleção won 4-1, with players like Pele, Jairzinho, Tostao and Rivellino. Brazil have a great history, and those fantastic players were a big part of that.
Yes. Falcao and Cerezo went to Roma; Falcao arrived in 1981 and Cerezo in ’83. They were two fantastic professionals, two good friends. We had a lot of fun together, because Brazilian players’ personalities were always a bit different. They were more cheerful, friendly, so you could have a lot of fun with them.
I already knew about the passion here, but it is on another level, especially when it comes to the national team. The people have a deep love for that Brazil shirt. When Brazil play, the country comes to a standstill. Everyone is focused on the match. It will come as no surprise, but Brazilian players are generally very talented. It seems to be in their DNA.
I felt a lot of emotions because the Maracana is such a historic stadium. I had already played and coached at a lot of stadiums, but never the Maracana. It is such a special stadium, mainly because of its history. Brazil playing at the Maracana is very special.
I was very pleased, but some of the work was done by the previous coaches. It obviously was not easy, but we got there. Beating Paraguay was enough to qualify and we managed to do that, so we are all very pleased.
I think it’s great – the more teams there are in the World Cup, the better it is for football. I don’t believe that it will affect the calendar much, because there won’t be many extra games, so I think it’s a good idea. Opening up the World Cup will make football even more global.
My wife is Canadian, from Vancouver. Her parents are Spanish, but she was born in Montreal. We live in Vancouver now. It’s a beautiful city. Hockey is very big there, of course, but Vancouver is one of the host cities for the World Cup and there will be seven matches played there. Canada will be playing there and the people cannot wait for those games. There is also a chance that Brazil could play there. On a personal level, I’d love us to play there. Canada have a good team too, and a brilliant coach. They’re playing very well and the country is very excited to be hosting the World Cup.
I was in Mexico with the Italian national team in 1986, and we played the opening match of the tournament against Bulgaria at the Azteca Stadium. I think Mexicans are similar to Brazilians in that they are passionate about football, especially when it comes to their national teams. My old friend [Javier] Aguirre is the Mexico head coach, and I obviously wish him all the best. Football is extremely important in Mexico.
The same thing we always hope for! They’ll show us great support. I think it’s our responsibility, in the Seleção, to give Brazilians what they want: to win the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.
Yes!
Well, every national anthem is special. Hearing the national anthem is very special for any player or coach representing the Seleção. I want to learn it. I have a year to try to be able to sing it with the players. I would really like that.
