Carlo Ancelotti is on the verge of committing his future to Brazil until the 2030 World Cup, with the Brazilian Football Confederation confirming on 8 May that a four-year contract extension is all but agreed and will be officially announced before this summer’s tournament gets underway.
CBF president Samir Xaud, speaking at the FutPro Expo conference in Fortaleza, said he was “certain” the deal would be confirmed before the World Cup, with the two parties currently working through the final legal details of the Italian’s new contract.
Ancelotti took charge of Brazil last year and wasted little time in making his mark, guiding the five-time world champions through a successful qualification campaign for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 66-year-old has consistently and publicly expressed his desire to continue in the role beyond this summer, making the extension a question of when rather than if.
The former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Chelsea manager brings an unparalleled wealth of experience to one of football’s most demanding positions, and the CBF have been keen to tie him down to a longer arrangement for several months. Negotiations have been ongoing, but Xaud’s comments on Thursday represent the clearest public confirmation yet that an agreement is imminent.
Before any contract signing, Ancelotti has the small matter of a World Cup to attend to. He is due to announce his final squad for the tournament on 18 May in Rio de Janeiro, after which Brazil will gather for a send-off friendly against Panama at the iconic Maracana Stadium on 31 May.
The Selecao will be based in New Jersey during the tournament and have been drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. Brazil enter the competition among the favourites, and Ancelotti will be desperate to add a sixth World Cup title to the country’s already unrivalled collection.
