Brazil nearing new deal with Ancelotti

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is close to extending the contract of the men's national team coach, Carlo Ancelotti, beyond this year's FIFA World Cup, CBF president Samir Xaud said on Tuesday.

Xaud said the Italian had agreed to a new deal pending "bureaucratic and legal adjustments".

"What we want, as I always say, is not something immediate, but rather a long-term project," Xaud told reporters in Rio de Janeiro. "We believe one year is far too little to develop work that produces lasting results."

Ancelotti took charge of Brazil last May on a contract running until the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The 66-year-old has overseen four wins, two draws and two losses since his appointment.

"We have the best raw material in the world when it comes to a coach, and we have to make the most of his time here in Brazil with the national team," Xaud said.

"I strongly believe in the work he has been doing. It is that confidence that led us to begin these renewal talks."

Five-time World Cup champion Brazil secured its place in the next edition of football's biggest tournament with a 1-0 win over Paraguay last June, the Italian's second game in charge.

Brazil will begin its 2026 World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 before also facing Haiti and Scotland in the group stage.