World Cup 2026: 'It's a beautiful moment' – Carlo Ancelotti savours first mundial as head coach

Carlo Ancelotti has described leading Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a beautiful experience, as the veteran Italian coach prepares for his first appearance at the tournament as a head coach.

Ancelotti, who featured for Italy at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups as a player, will take charge of Brazil in their Group C opener against Morocco on Saturday, June 13. The five-time world champions are aiming for a record-extending sixth title.

"It's a new experience for me. It's something special. Obviously it carries a lot of responsibility," Ancelotti said at a pre-match press conference.

"It's an honour to represent the country of football and the most decorated national team in the world. It's an honour and a responsibility. It's a beautiful moment for me."

Ancelotti took over as Brazil's head coach after leaving Real Madrid for the second time. The Seleção have struggled to recapture their past dominance, having advanced beyond the quarter-finals only once since winning the title in 2002 — a semi-final run on home soil in 2014 that ended in a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany.

But the 66-year-old believes this squad has what it takes to compete with anyone.

"This is a team which can compete with anyone. We have a good feeling about this World Cup. We're ready and prepared."

Brazil have been drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Serbia, and Costa Rica. With a star-studded attack led by Vinícius Júnior, expectations are high. For Ancelotti, the challenge is clear: turn Brazil's rich history into a new chapter of glory.