By Adegboyega Adeleye
Brazil legend Cafu has urged the country to keep faith with head coach Carlo Ancelotti, insisting the Italian deserves time to rebuild the national team following its shock exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking a day after Brazil’s 2-1 Round of 16 defeat to Norway, Cafu said the country’s World Cup disappointment should mark the beginning of a new cycle rather than the end of Ancelotti’s tenure.
“It’s not the end of the world. It’s the start of a new cycle and a new generation, so we have to trust Carlo is the man to help Brazil win that title again,” Cafu told Reuters.
The former Brazil captain said Ancelotti inherited a difficult situation after taking charge amid administrative instability and a succession of caretaker coaches.
“Ancelotti came into this World Cup to put out a fire. He took the reins of a ship that was already underway. Now he’ll be able to start from the beginning and set it on the right course,” he said.
Cafu also called for reforms in Brazil’s youth football system, arguing that young players are being developed to win matches rather than express themselves creatively.
“Today we’re not developing players, we’re developing competitors,” he said, adding that children should be allowed to enjoy football and develop naturally.
Brazil’s defeat means the five-time world champions will wait until at least 2030 in their bid to win a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
