COACHING WOES

A World Cup without a single Brazilian on the bench

Carlo Ancelotti will have his eyes on the prize as he leads Brazil in the 2026 World Cup, but his appointment also means there will be no Brazilian coaches at the tournament. Photo: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

South America’s World Cup qualifying campaign has come to an end. And despite its worst performance in history, Brazil guaranteed its place in the December 5 group stage draw. And, with Italian Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, the most successful nation in football history will be coached at the international top table by a non-Brazilian for the first time ever.

But next year’s tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico is likely to go one further. Despite expanding the number of participant countries to 48, the 2026 World Cup is set to be the first not to feature a single Brazilian-born manager…

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