Brazil icon Filipe Luis backs Carlo Ancelotti to lead national team to World Cup glory

Former Atletico Madrid defender believes Ancelotti is 'the best that could have happened' to Brazil ahead of 2026 tournament

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:41pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Brazil national team soccer match, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team's iconic colors of green, yellow, blue, and white.Ancelotti's tactical vision and Brazil's individual talent could make them a force to be reckoned with at the 2026 World Cup.Philadelphia Today

Brazil legend Filipe Luis has expressed confidence in Carlo Ancelotti's ability to guide the national team to World Cup success in 2026. The former Atletico Madrid defender praised Ancelotti's impact since taking over the Brazil job in mid-2025, saying the Italian coach has provided the team with a clear tactical identity and used every FIFA break to shape the squad. Luis believes Brazil will be among the favorites to win the tournament, despite not being placed in the top tier of contenders by many analysts.

Why it matters

Brazil's performance at the 2026 World Cup will be crucial for the country's football legacy, as they look to add a sixth star to their jersey. Ancelotti's appointment was seen as a pivotal move to help the team regain its competitive edge after a disappointing 2022 World Cup, and Filipe Luis' endorsement of the coach's work so far suggests Brazil may be primed for a strong showing in North America.

The details

Ancelotti took over the Brazil national team in mid-2025, a time when the squad was struggling to secure its place in the 2026 World Cup. The Italian coach helped the team achieve the necessary results to qualify, and has since used every FIFA break to shape the team's tactics and personnel. Filipe Luis, a former Brazil international, believes Ancelotti's arrival was the 'best that could have happened' to the national team, praising the coach's ability to provide the squad with a clear identity.

  • In mid-2025, Brazil were coming off a heavy loss to Argentina and had not yet secured their place in the 2026 World Cup.
  • Ancelotti took over the Brazil national team in mid-2025.
  • Brazil will open their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The players

Carlo Ancelotti

The current head coach of the Brazil national team, appointed in mid-2025 to lead the squad to the 2026 World Cup.

Filipe Luis

A former Brazil international and Atletico Madrid defender, who has expressed confidence in Ancelotti's ability to guide the national team to World Cup glory.

Raphinha

One of the two Brazil players that Filipe Luis believes are among the five best players in the world, along with Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius Junior

One of the two Brazil players that Filipe Luis believes are among the five best players in the world, along with Raphinha.

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What they’re saying

“Ancelotti brings us many good things. There are no guarantees we'll win anything, but it's the best that could have happened.”

— Filipe Luis, Former Brazil international and Atletico Madrid defender

“People don't believe Brazil can win. But if you look at the five best players in the world, we have two: Raphinha and Vini Jr.”

— Filipe Luis, Former Brazil international and Atletico Madrid defender

What’s next

If Brazil finish top of their group in the 2026 World Cup, they will advance to the Round of 16 where they would face the runner-up of Group F on June 29 in Houston.

The takeaway

Filipe Luis' endorsement of Carlo Ancelotti's work with the Brazil national team suggests the squad may be primed for a strong showing at the 2026 World Cup, as the Italian coach has provided the team with a clear tactical identity and assembled a talented roster led by stars like Raphinha and Vinicius Junior.