Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he could make a stunning third return to Real Madrid after his spell in charge of Brazil ends at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Italian, who left Madrid in June for his first role with a national team, has guided the Selecão to qualification for the tournament and is under pressure to deliver Brazil’s first World Cup crown in more than two decades.
His current contract runs only until the end of the competition.
Options open after 2026 World Cup
Ancelotti confirmed he is content in Brazil and would be open to an extension if the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) offers one.
“After the World Cup, everything is open. I think it was right at the time to sign a one-year contract. I have no problem if the CBF wants to continue,” he told ESPN.
“There’s no problem. I’m very happy here, my family is happy too. We can think about it. We have time to talk about it, I have no problem continuing. It would be nice (to stay until 2030).”
Despite that willingness, the 65-year-old has made clear that at club level, Real Madrid is the only job he would consider.
Madrid remains the exception
Speaking to French outlet L’Équipe, Ancelotti revealed his strong attachment to Los Blancos: “Real Madrid is the only team I will accept managing after Brazil.”
He reflected on the difficulties of his final season in charge, pointing to a defensive injury crisis that disrupted Madrid’s campaign.
“Last season was complicated. We didn’t achieve the success we wanted. We suffered too many injuries in defence,” he explained.
“Militão, Rüdiger, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal… that’s a lot of important players out injured.
“There were games where we only had two real defenders, and one of them was Raul Asencio, who had just arrived from the academy,” he added.
For now, Ancelotti remains focused on preparing Brazil for the 2026 World Cup.