“We looked at a yearly statistic of our players. Neymar was our best penalty-taker followed by Igor Thiago and Raphinha. After Raphinha, Guimaraes was the best,” Carlo Ancelotti said during his press conference. “After him came Martinelli. We chose Bruno Guimaraes because we thought he was the best penalty-taker on the pitch.“

Ancelotti stood by the decision. He knows hindsight is 20/20, and won’t go against what him and his staff thought going into the game. However, the fact that Vinicius wasn’t even among the top-five options is something that makes a lot of noise. Vinicius later admitted Ancelotti preferred Guimaraes, claiming that he would’ve taken the penalty if chosen.

Vinicius’ numbers

The fact that Vinicius wasn’t among Brazil’s best penalty takers statistically paints a deflating picture for both the team and the striker. And the worst part may be that numbers don’t lie, yet most fans still would’ve rather had Vini take the penalty than Guimaraes. It’s easy to say now after seeing the end result, but it was also true before Guimaraes even had his attempt denied by Orjan Nyland.

Vinicius has scored 13 penalties in 19 attempts during his career, according to Transfermarkt. For Brazil, his numbers are even more head-scratching. Vini has converted just one of the three penalties he has taken while wearing the Verde Amarela.

Still, on the biggest stages, fans around the world expect their best players to rise to the occasion, regardless of what the stats say. Neymar, despite battling injuries and barely playing any minutes, did just that by scoring from the spot. In the eyes of many fans, the fact that Vinicius Jr. didn’t step up signals a lack of character and may paint a clear picture of the identity crisis that has plagued Brazil for decades.

Brazil’s crisis extends

Nothing has been the same for the Selecao since the 2014 World Cup. Would Vinicius have been allowed to take the penalty had he asked for the ball, or would Ancelotti and his staff have stopped him?

That will remain a mystery, but the image will haunt Brazil fans for decades: Guimaraes squandering his penalty while Vinicius stands off to the side of the penalty area, hands on his hips and making no effort to chase the rebound.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and this one may reflect broken trust inside the locker room, as well as a dream that has come crashing down in pieces.

Brazil’s penalty takers

Ancelotti’s confession after the heartbreaking elimination left room for many questions. First and foremost, considering the game between Brazil and Norway could have been decided through a penalty shootout, it would have been concerning for Brazil to have their three best penalty takers either on the bench or injured.

Neymar was subbed in late in the game and ended up scoring from the spot to cut the deficit in half, though in vain. But what about the rest? Would Brazil have sent Igor Thiago onto the pitch had they found the equalizer late? Or would they have stayed with the same group and risked going out on penalties like they did at the 2022 World Cup?

In the end, Brazil are out of another FIFA World Cup either way. The five-time World Cup champions will keep that title for four more years, as their journey has come to an end. In the country where Brazil won their fourth World Cup title thanks to a penalty shootout, it was a penalty that will be remembered for ending their dream of winning World Cup title No. 6.

“It’s a designated decision, just like in every match,” Davide explained. “We always finalize the order during our pre-match tactical meeting and communicate it directly to the squad. It’s a collective decision made by the coaching staff. At the end of the day, penalties get missed. That’s just soccer, and today it happened to us.”

Carlo Ancelotti also defended the decision to allow Guimaraes to take the penalty, revealing that Vinicius wasn’t even on the shortlist of candidates to shoot a potential spot-kick.

With talisman Neymar Jr.’s future with the Selecao thrown into serious doubt, the elder Ancelotti and his squad are forced to pack their bags after a devastatingly premature elimination. Meanwhile, a triumphant Norway squad march on, with their next opponent, date, and venue already locked in.

Inside the penalty drama

A rapid counterattack handed Brazil a golden opportunity to open the scoring after Norwegian defender Kristoffer Ajer hauled down Matheus Cunha inside the box. Yet, in a baffling turn of events, Guimaraes immediately seized the ball rather than deferring to Vinicius, the Selecao’s premier goal-scoring threat at the 2026 World Cup.

Guimaraes proceeded to completely fluff the spot-kick with a poor effort, failing to even convert the ensuing rebound. The 14th-minute disaster squandered Brazil‘s most clear-cut opportunity of the first half against Norway, a fatal mistake that ultimately doomed their tournament run.

The most shocking revelation was that this marked Guimaraes’ first-ever penalty attempt in a Brazil shirt. While he regularly handles spot-kick duties for Newcastle United, the midfielder failed to deliver on international football’s biggest stage when his country needed it most. Vinicius later revealed that Ancelotti preferred Guimaraes in a potential penalty.

Vinicius Jr.’s grim penalty record clouding the decision

Despite Guimaraes’ high-profile blunder, the decision looks slightly different when analyzing Vinicius’ underwhelming track record from 12 yards out for the national team. The Real Madrid superstar has converted just one of his three career penalty attempts for Brazil, a glaring vulnerability that likely forced Ancelotti’s coaching staff to look elsewhere in a high-pressure moment.

Following the devastating exit, the Selecao must now navigate a massive transitional phase after Neymar Jr. confirmed that this tournament marked the end of his World Cup career. Massive questions loom over how the federation will restructure ahead of the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Speaking in a postgame interview, Ancelotti explained the following situation regarding Neymar. “Why didn’t I put Neymar in? I was waiting for extra time. I discussed it with him: if we didn’t equalize, he would come on in the 60th or 65th minute... It’s just that I didn’t want to change the structure; we had control of the game.” Brazil will now have a clear idea of who they will face in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup and when.

Hence, Neymar was well in the plans for Ancelotti, it just so happened that Gabriel Martinelli’s game-winning goal stopped that plans in its tracks, given that there was no extra time then. This goal prevented Japan to seek their best finish in a World Cup.

Neymar has had limited presence for Brazil in 2026 World Cup

Neymar has played a total of 14 minutes in the 2026 World Cup. He made his tournament debut in the group-stage finale against Scotland on June 24, coming off the bench as a substitute in the 76th minute. He missed Brazil’s first two group matches due to a calf injury.

Hence, even if this is Neymar’s last dance in a World Cup, he is not being very involved with the roster. The calf injury really took many of his options to start, and also made him fall in the pecking order. That doesn’t make him feel less important though. In fact, Neymar celebrated the win over Japan by calling out a mathematician who predicted Brazil to lose.

Ancelotti’s super subs don’t involve Neymar

Ancelotti lost starter Raphinha due to injury, so Rayan has gotten the starting role now. Still, Ancelotti uses Endrick and Martinelli as subs more often than Neymar. For the Italian head coach, the hierarchy puts both Endrick and Martinelli above Neymar’s services. That was seen clearly in the match vs Japan.

Neymar is still a very important part of the roster in terms of experience, World Cup presence, and overall talent. However, this is a stacked team with a loaded attacking unit, so coming off an injury and at 34 years old, it’s not the best of scenarios for the Santos player.

If anyone was expecting Scaloni to answer back with a bold statement against Ancelotti or Brazil, they must not have been around Argentina’s head coach before. In typical fashion, he de-escalated a potentially contentious situation with a cool, calm, and collected message.

“I understood what [Ancelotti] meant. He said it in a good way. He definitely didn’t say anything bad,” Scaloni had to say about Ancelotti’s comments during his press conference on Sunday. “The thing is, he speaks a mix of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. If he could speak in his native language, we probably would have understood him better. I understand it as a compliment rather than a criticism, and I’m absolutely sure of that.”

What did Ancelotti say?

Speaking about the 2026 World Cup and the current landscape, Ancelotti delivered a strong message about Argentina. Although it may have been blown out of proportion by Argentine media, Ancelotti did say that La Albiceleste’s playing style lacks intensity.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti rated Argentina as a contender to win the World Cup, though his comments did diminish the potential impact of Lionel Messi and other stars.

“I’ve seen teams that aren’t favorites, play great soccer. I believe this will be a World Cup of high intensity,” Ancelotti said in a mix of Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese during a recent press conference. “Even though Argentina don’t play a high-intensity style, they manage themselves really well. I think the stars won’t determine this World Cup. That’s what I think.”

Argentina’s and Brazil’s road ahead

Gearing up for a decisive group-stage matchup against Austria, the other team with three points in Group J, Scaloni and Argentina had little time to lose worrying about Ancelotti and Brazil. They have enough on their plate, as a win over Austria could clinch first place in the group if Algeria defeat Jordan or the two latter tie.

As for Brazil, they have some breathing room thanks to their 3-0 triumph over Haiti and will complete their participation in Group C against Scotland on June 24, in a game where a draw is enough for Brazil to punch their ticket to the round of 32, though they might do so as group runners-up. To secure first place, Brazil must beat Scotland and hope Morocco don’t defeat Haiti and surpass the Verde-Amarela in goal differential in the process.

Both goals came in the first half. Ismael Saibari scored for Morocco with a fine finish over Alisson Becker, while Vinícius Júnior equalised with a stunning right-footed goal.

In a clash between contenders, both teams will now have to wait to see what happens between Haiti and Scotland. If there is a winner in that match, they will temporarily top the group.

The manager of the Seleção, expressed regret over the unfortunate situation involving the Roma player, according to Fabrizio Romano on X: “It’s a shame to lose Wesley. We have to wait for the tests now,” he said.

The setback may have been a major blow for the team; however, Ancelotti himself is confident in those who can replace Wesley. “Eventually, we have good players to replace him.”

Who will be his replacement? According to a recent report also from Romano on X, the player joining the squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup is midfielder Ederson.

How much does Brazil lose without Wesley?

Losing Wesley is an unexpected blow for Brazil ahead of the World Cup, as the Roma right-back has quickly become a vital piece of their system. In his 3 qualifier appearances, he didn’t log a goal or an assist, but his elite tactical awareness and relentless work rate gave the Seleção needed balance.

His technical versatility, lethal crossing ability, and composure under pressure are nearly difficult to replicate, meaning Brazil lose a premier two-way weapon that perfectly connected their defense to their high-powered attack.

Mind on the World Cup

Brazil are ready to kick off their Group C campaign, but the biggest question mark surrounding the Seleção is whether Neymar will be fit to play, as the coaching staff is willing to wait until the absolute last minute for his recovery. Without their main star fully guaranteed, the Brazilians will open the tournament against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

They will then head to Philadelphia to face Haiti on June 19 at Lincoln Financial Field, before wrapping up the group stage in Miami against Scotland on June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium, hoping that by the time they hit the pitch, their legendary number 10 will finally be cleared to lead the attack.

Beyond the players on the pitch, the spotlight is increasingly turning toward the dugout, where elite head coaches are being rewarded with record-breaking salaries for their tactical vision and leadership.

From Europe’s powerhouse federations to ambitious national projects in South America, Asia and North America, federations are investing heavily in managers who can handle the pressure of a 48-team World Cup format.

10. Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) – $2.6 million

Lionel Scaloni stands as one of the most successful international coaches in modern soccer, having guided Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and ending the country’s 36-year wait for the trophy.

That triumph, along with the 2021 Copa America win against Brazil at the Maracana, cemented his legacy. Despite being among the lower-paid elite coaches, his achievements place him among the most respected managers heading into 2026, where Argentina will defend its world champion status.

9. Gustavo Alfaro (Paraguay) – $2.8 million

Gustavo Alfaro has built a reputation as one of South America’s most resilient tactical leaders, known for transforming underdog teams into disciplined, competitive sides.

After guiding Ecuador through a strong 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, where they earned a place in Qatar despite point deductions controversy, he became a sought-after international coach.

His appointment with Paraguay reflects a project built on defensive structure and emotional intensity, key traits in his coaching identity heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026.

8. Javier Aguirre (Mexico) – $2.8 million

Javier Aguirre returns once again to the World Cup spotlight as one of Mexico’s most experienced managers, having already led the national team in multiple World Cup cycles, including 2002 and 2010.

Known for his pragmatic style and deep understanding of CONCACAF soccer, he is trusted to stabilize a squad under immense home pressure. His long international career and ability to handle high-stakes tournaments make him a familiar but reliable figure for Mexico’s 2026 campaign.

7. Jesse Marsch (Canada) – $2.8 million

Jesse Marsch brings a modern, high-intensity coaching philosophy shaped by his experience in Major League Soccer, the Austrian Bundesliga and the English Premier League with Leeds United.

While he never lifted major silverware in Europe, his reputation for pressing systems and player development earned him Canada’s top job. His mission is to maximize a growing talent pool and turn Canada into a competitive force during their home-hosted World Cup experience.

6. Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan) – $4.5 million

Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup-winning captain with Italy, brings legendary playing pedigree into international management. His appointment by Uzbekistan represents one of the most ambitious coaching projects of the cycle, as the nation prepares for its first-ever World Cup appearance. While his coaching résumé has been mixed across club stints in China and Europe, his leadership and defensive expertise remain central to Uzbekistan’s strategy.

5. Roberto Martinez (Portugal) – $4.5 million

Roberto Martinez arrives at Portugal ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 carrying a reputation built across multiple international projects, including his long spell with Belgium’s so-called “golden generation”.

During that period, he guided the team to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, still their best modern-era result. Now in charge of Portugal, he works with one of the deepest attacking squads in world soccer, where his challenge is transforming individual brilliance into tournament consistency.

4. Thomas Tuchel (England) – $6.5 million

Thomas Tuchel brings elite European pedigree to England after winning the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, a defining achievement that cemented his status among the game’s top tactical minds.

Known for his adaptability and defensive organization, he has also reached the Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain, narrowly losing to Bayern Munich.

His appointment with England reflects a clear expectation: convert a talented generation into a major tournament-winning side, something the country has not achieved since 1966.

3. Mauricio Pochettino (USA) – $6.8 million

Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership of the United States men’s national team marks one of the most ambitious coaching appointments in CONCACAF history. Previously, he built Tottenham Hotspur into Champions League finalists in 2019, famously eliminating Ajax in a dramatic semifinal comeback before falling to Liverpool in the final.

With PSG, he also added domestic silverware while managing world-class stars. His task in the U.S. is clear: elevate the program into a legitimate knockout-stage contender on home soil.

2. Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – $7.9 million

Julian Nagelsmann represents Germany’s long-term strategic rebuild after years of inconsistent tournament performances following their 2014 World Cup triumph.

A former Bayern Munich coach, he won the Bundesliga title in 2022–23 and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most innovative tactical coaches, known for fluid systems and positional flexibility. Germany’s federation turned to him to restore identity, intensity, and competitiveness ahead of a tournament where expectations remain extremely high.

1. Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – $11.3 million

Carlo Ancelotti stands alone at the top of the salary ranking, and his résumé fully explains it. The Italian coach is the most decorated manager in UEFA Champions League history, winning the competition multiple times with AC Milan and Real Madrid, including the 2022 and 2024 editions with Los Blancos.

Now leading Brazil into the World Cup cycle, he brings unmatched experience managing elite squads under pressure. His appointment signals one objective only: delivering Brazil’s long-awaited sixth World Cup title.

From World Cup-winning veterans to rising tacticians chasing a breakthrough on football’s biggest stage, the managers of the 2026 World Cup will be responsible for guiding their countries through a tournament unlike any before.

Several of the game’s most recognizable coaching names will be in charge this summer. Carlo Ancelotti enters the tournament leading Brazil, while Lionel Scaloni returns as the architect of Argentina’s title defense.

Full list of 2026 World Cup coaches by country

Host nations

• Canada — Jesse Marsch
• Mexico — Javier Aguirre
• United States — Mauricio Pochettino

South America (CONMEBOL)

• Argentina — Lionel Scaloni
• Brazil — Carlo Ancelotti
• Colombia — Nestor Lorenzo
• Ecuador — Sebastian Beccacece
• Paraguay — Gustavo Alfaro
• Uruguay — Marcelo Bielsa

North America, Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF)

• Curaçao — Dick Advocaat
• Haiti — Sebastien Migne
• Panama — Thomas Christiansen

Oceania (OFC)

• New Zealand — Darren Bazeley

Europe (UEFA)

• Austria — Ralf Rangnick
• Belgium — Rudi Garcia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina — Sergej Barbarez
• Croatia — Zlatko Dalic
• Czechia — Miroslav Koubek
• England — Thomas Tuchel
• France — Didier Deschamps
• Germany — Julian Nagelsmann
• Netherlands — Ronald Koeman
• Norway — Stale Solbakken
• Portugal — Roberto Martinez
• Scotland — Steve Clarke
• Spain — Luis de la Fuente
• Sweden — Graham Potter
• Switzerland — Murat Yakin
• Türkiye — Vincenzo Montella

Africa (CAF)

• Algeria — Vladimir Petkovic
• Cape Verde — Bubista
• Côte d’Ivoire — Emerse Fae
• DR Congo — Sebastien Desabre
• Egypt — Hossam Hassan
• Ghana — Carlos Queiroz
• Morocco — Mohamed Ouahbi
• Senegal — Pape Thiaw
• South Africa — Hugo Broos
• Tunisia — Sabri Lamouchi

Asia (AFC)

• Australia — Tony Popovic
• Iraq — Graham Arnold
• Iran — Amir Ghalenoei
• Japan — Hajime Moriyasu
• Jordan — Jamal Sellami
• Qatar — Julen Lopetegui
• Saudi Arabia — Georgios Donis
• South Korea — Hong Myung-bo
• Uzbekistan — Fabio Cannavaro

Who are the most experienced coaches at the 2026 World Cup?

Didier Deschamps, Carlo Ancelotti, Marcelo Bielsa and Javier Aguirre are among the most experienced coaches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Between them, they have accumulated decades of managerial experience.

France coach Didier Deschamps stands out as one of the tournament’s most accomplished managers. Since taking charge of Les Bleus in 2012, he has guided the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final and the 2021 UEFA Nations League trophy.

The 2026 tournament will be his fourth World Cup as France manager and his final competition before stepping down. He is also on the verge of breaking the record for the most matches coached at the World Cup.

Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa is another veteran of international football. The Argentine previously managed Argentina at the 2002 World Cup and Chile at the 2010 edition before returning to the tournament with Uruguay in 2026.

Beyond his World Cup appearances, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential tactical minds of the modern era, having inspired coaches such as Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino and Diego Simeone.

Mexico’s Javier Aguirre also belongs in this group. The 67-year-old has already coached El Tri at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups and is returning for a third stint on the global stage. His longevity and experience make him one of the most seasoned managers in the competition.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti arrives with arguably the most impressive club résumé in football history. Although 2026 is his first World Cup as a head coach, the Italian has won five UEFA Champions League titles and league championships.

Which coaches are making their World Cup debut in 2026?

Mauricio Pochettino (United States), Jamal Sellami (Jordan), Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan), Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo), Carlo Ancelotti (Barazil), Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) and Luis de la Fuente (Spain) are the most notable coaches who will manage at a FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2026.

While each arrives with a very different background, all four will experience the tournament from the touchline for the first time when the competition kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The expanded 48-team format has created opportunities for several managers to reach the tournament for the first time. In many cases, those debuting coaches are leading nations making history themselves.

Who is the highest-profile coach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Carlo Ancelotti is widely regarded as the highest-profile coach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Brazil manager arrives in North America with a résumé unmatched by any other coach in the tournament.

His appointment by Brazil was one of the most significant managerial moves in intereputation was built during legendary spells with AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

No manager has won more Champions League titles, and few have managed as many of the game’s biggest stars. From Paolo Maldini and Andrea Pirlo to Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior, he has consistently succeeded at the highest level of club soccer for more than two decades.

He is far from the only superstar on the touchline. France’s Didier Deschamps enters the tournament as one of the most successful international managers of the modern era.

He won the 2018 World Cup, reached the 2022 final and will be coaching in his fourth and final World Cup before stepping down after nearly 15 years in charge of Les Bleus. England manager Thomas Tuchel is another elite figure.

Lionel Scaloni also deserves a place in the conversation. He enters as the defending World Cup champion after guiding Argentina to glory in Qatar 2022 and building one of the most successful national-team projects of the decade.

Some of the tournament’s oldest coaches have already built iconic careers. With the expanded 48-team format creating new tactical challenges, many federations have turned to veteran leadership ahead of the tournament.

Whether it’s Ancelotti’s calm authority, Bielsa’s intensity or Didier Deschamps pursuing another deep run with France, the 2026 World Cup could become a defining final act for several of soccer’s most respected coaching figures.

Oldest World Cup-winning managers in soccer history

Vicente del Bosque became the oldest coach to win the FIFA World Cup when Spain lifted the trophy in 2010, as he was 59 years old at the time. The legendary Spanish manager guided a generation led by Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Iker Casillas to Spain’s first-ever World Cup title in South Africa.

Before him, several iconic veteran managers also won the tournament later in their careers. Germany’s Helmut Schon won the 1974 World Cup at age 58, while Italy’s Enzo Bearzot captured the 1982 title at 54. Argentina’s Cesar Luis Menotti and Brazil’s Luiz Felipe Scolari also lifted the trophy in their 40s and 50s.

Some of the oldest managers ever to coach at a World Cup never actually won the tournament. Otto Rehhagel, Oscar Tabarez and Louis van Gaal all managed in their 70s, but none captured soccer’s biggest prize.

Who is the oldest manager at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Dick Advocaat is the oldest manager at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Curaçao head coach will be 78 years old during the tournament, officially making him the oldest coach not only at the 2026 World Cup, but also in FIFA World Cup history.

He originally guided the Caribbean nation through qualification and helped them reach their first-ever World Cup, a historic achievement for one of the smallest countries ever to qualify for the competition.

Before Advocaat, the oldest coach in World Cup history was Greece manager Otto Rehhagel, who was 71 years and 317 days old during the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Advocaat will surpass that record comfortably in 2026.

Here are some of the oldest managers expected at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

How old is Carlo Ancelotti at the 2026 World Cup?

Carlo Ancelotti is 66 years old during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Italian legend, born on June 10, 1959, enters the tournament as Brazil’s manager after one of the most successful club coaching careers in soccer history.

His arrival with Brazil instantly became one of the defining storylines of the tournament. After winning multiple UEFA Champions League titles with AC Milan and Real Madrid, he accepted the challenge of coaching a national team at a World Cup for the first time in his career.

Few coaches in soccer history possess a résumé comparable to Ancelotti’s. His trophy collection includes:

• Five UEFA Champions League titles
• League championships in England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France
• Domestic cups across Europe
• Multiple FIFA Club World Cups

Because of that experience, Brazil hopes he can help end the country’s World Cup drought, which dates back to 2002. The tournament could also represent one of the final major chapters in his coaching career.

How many World Cups has Marcelo Bielsa coached in?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be Marcelo Bielsa’s third appearance as a head coach at the tournament. He previously coached Argentina at the 2002 World Cup and Chile at the 2010 edition before returning in 2026 with Uruguay.

His World Cup history has been dramatic and unconventional. In 2002, Argentina entered the tournament as one of the favorites but suffered a shocking group-stage elimination despite boasting stars such as Gabriel Batistuta, Juan Sebastian Veron and Hernan Crespo.

Eight years later, he transformed Chile into one of the most entertaining teams at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. His aggressive attacking system helped Chile reach the Round of 16 before losing to Brazil.

Now with Uruguay, Bielsa has another opportunity to leave his mark on the competition. FIFA highlighted that he will become one of the few coaches ever to manage three different nations at separate World Cups.

Which veteran managers have won major trophies before the 2026 World Cup?

Several of the oldest managers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrive with some of the most decorated résumés in soccer history. Coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti, Didier Deschamps and Marcelo Bielsa have already won major international or club trophies long before arriving in North America.

• Carlo Ancelotti – Brazil

Ancelotti is arguably the most accomplished club manager in modern soccer history. The Italian has won five UEFA Champions League titles and league championships in all five major European leagues. His calm leadership style and tactical flexibility made him a legendary figure at AC Milan and Real Madrid.

• Didier Deschamps – France

Deschamps already owns one of the rarest achievements in soccer: winning the World Cup both as a player and as a manager. He guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and later returned to another final in 2022.

• Marcelo Bielsa – Uruguay

Although Bielsa has never won a World Cup or Champions League, he remains one of the most influential tactical minds in modern soccer. He won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2004 and revolutionized teams such as Chile, Athletic Club and Leeds United with his intense pressing philosophy.

• Javier Aguirre – Mexico

Aguirre’s career spans decades across both club and international soccer. The Mexican manager coached Atletico Madrid in La Liga, led multiple national teams and guided Mexico to several World Cups.

• Carlos Queiroz – Ghana

Queiroz has managed Portugal, Iran, Colombia and Egypt while also serving as Sir Alex Ferguson’s longtime assistant at Manchester United. His career includes domestic league titles, youth World Cup trophies and decades of international experience.

“My view of one of the most emotional and happiest days of my life,” the forward wrote through his official Instagram account @neymarjr with an emotional video, where was seen in tears after the announcement. “Thank you, Brazil.”

With this nomination, Neymar Jr. will play in his fourth World Cup. His first appearance came at the 2014 World Cup hosted in Brazil, followed by Russia 2018, while Qatar 2022 was the last edition he played in.

The serious injury he suffered in 2023 while playing in the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay had marked a turning point in the forward’s call-ups. After more than two and a half years, Neymar is back for what might be his last dance.

Brazil boast a fearsome attack

For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil‘s manager Carlo Ancelotti has selected a formidable and dynamic attacking line-up to lead the Selecao’s frontline. The squad features a blend of seasoned superstars and elite young talent, highlighted by the veteran leadership of Neymar and the explosive Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.

They are joined by Barcelona’s creative winger Raphinha and Arsenal’s sharp forward Gabriel Martinelli. Providing physical presence and tactical depth in the attack are Matheus Cunha of Manchester United, Lyon’s rising sensation Endrick, and Zenit’s versatile Luiz Henrique.

Completing this lethal roster are Premier League dangerous attackers Igor Thiago from Brentford and Rayan from Bournemouth, offering Ancelotti a wealth of tactical options to chase the coveted sixth world title.

Opponents and schedule for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup

• June 13, 2026: vs. Morocco (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)
• June 19, 2026: vs. Haiti (Lincoln Financial Stadium, Philadelphia)
• June 24, 2026: vs. Scotland (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami)

The surprise following the inclusion of Neymar was the absence of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, with Ancelotti making it clear that it is a shame, but that he will have another opportunity down the road. “I am sad for players who have been left out, like Joao Pedro,” Ancelotti said. “They will have chances in the future.”

Joao Pedro is one of the biggest omissions from the Brazil roster that is generating excitement ahead of the World Cup. Pedro’s profile is exactly what screams Jogo Bonito and that Brazilian identity they have been searching for so much during this time.

Joao Pedro’s season

Joao Pedro has put together a season worthy of consideration, serving as one of the key players for Chelsea, who have not had a good season, though he has stood out above the rest. This season, he recorded 15 goals and five assists in the Premier League. Only Erling Haaland (34), Bruno Fernandes (28), and Igor Thiago (23) have directly contributed to more goals in the Premier League this season than Joao Pedro.

And he was left out, surely because of Neymar. He is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals and has represented the Selecao at three World Cups, including their home tournament in 2014. He has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 13 matches at the World Cup. Only Ronaldo (19), Pele (18), and Jairzinho (12) have directly contributed to more goals at the finals for Brazil.

Official Brazil World Cup roster

The squad managed by Carlo Ancelotti is one of the big question marks heading into the upcoming World Cup due to the poor performance they have shown in the Qualifiers and that lack of identity, but with the inclusion of Neymar and the rest of the call-ups, there is hope, even if, name by name, they do not compare to those of previous World Cups.

Here’s the Brazil World Cup roster:

Goalkeepers

• Alisson Becker, Liverpool
• Ederson Moraes, Fenerbahce
• Weverton, Gremio

Defenders

• Marquinhos, PSG
• Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal
• Gleison Bremer, Juventus
• Danilo, Flamengo
• Alex Sandro, Flamengo
• Wesley, Roma
• Douglas Santos, Zenit
• Ibanez, Al Ahli
• Leo Pereira, Flamengo

Midfielders

• Casemiro, Manchester United
• Lucas Paqueta, Flamengo
• Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle
• Fabinho, Al Ittihad
• Danilo Santos, Botafogo

Forwards

• Neymar, Santos
• Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid
• Raphinha, Barcelona
• Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal
• Matheus Cunha, Manchester United
• Endrick, Lyon
• Luiz Henrique, Zenit
• Igor Thiago, Brentford
• Rayan, Bournemouth

Notable omissions for Brazil

Aside from Joao Pedro, other players cause a surprise by being left out of the roster, players like Alex Telles, Thiago Silva, Everton Ribeiro, Richarlison, and Gabriel Jesus, while also keeping in mind injured players like Rodrygo and Eder Militao.