Carlo Ancelotti is excited to manage Brazil for the first time at the Maracana in a World Cup qualifier against Chile. Brazil has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup but have struggled in qualifying, losing five of sixteen matches. Ancelotti has omitted Neymar, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo from the squad. Luiz Henrique has been recalled to the squad. Ancelotti hopes the team plays well and builds confidence for the future.
Carlo Ancelotti is brimming with anticipation as he prepares to lead Brazil onto the hallowed turf of the Maracana for the first time. The iconic stadium will play host to Brazil's crucial World Cup qualifier against Chile, a match that holds significant importance for the Seleção despite already securing their place in the 2026 tournament.
The decorated Italian manager, who took the reins of the Brazilian national team earlier this year, has navigated two matches thus far. His debut saw a goalless draw against Ecuador, followed by a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay, a result that officially punched Brazil's ticket to the next World Cup. However, the journey to qualification has been far from smooth sailing for the five-time world champions.
Ancelotti has made headlines with his squad selection for the upcoming qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia. Notably absent are star players Neymar, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo. These omissions, while surprising to some, underscore Ancelotti's intention to assess the depth of the Brazilian squad and explore different tactical options as he builds towards the World Cup.
Despite their qualification, Brazil's performance in the qualifying campaign has been inconsistent. They have suffered five defeats in their 16 matches, a statistic that highlights the challenges Ancelotti faces in restoring the team to its former glory. They currently sit third in the table, trailing arch-rivals Argentina by a significant 10-point margin. This context adds weight to the match against Chile, as Brazil will be eager to demonstrate their progress under Ancelotti's guidance and build momentum for the future.
For Ancelotti, a veteran of countless high-stakes matches across Europe's top leagues, this match marks a personal milestone. It will be his first experience at the Maracana, a stadium steeped in football history and revered as a temple of the sport. The 66-year-old expressed his excitement about the occasion, recognizing the unique atmosphere and significance of playing in such an iconic venue.
"For me, it is a new experience, very beautiful, my first time at Maracana, in the temple of world football," Ancelotti stated. "A new experience that I will always have in my memories. The game… I hope for the maximum, that the team plays well, takes confidence and that they have a good attitude and intensity in the game."
Sem tempo ruim!
O treino de ontem foi na chuva, mas nada tira o foco da nossa Seleção.
Rafael Ribeiro / CBF pic.twitter.com/64GkQoIs9K
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) September 2, 2025
Among the players eager to seize this opportunity is Zenit St. Petersburg striker Luiz Henrique. The 24-year-old has earned a recall to the national team, his first since November 2024, after impressing with his performances in the qualifying campaign. In six matches, Henrique has contributed two goals and one assist, showcasing his potential to make an impact at the international level.
Henrique has been speaking about how the prospect of playing under a manager of Ancelotti's stature is something he welcomes despite also being quite daunting. He is hoping to make the most of the opportunity to learn from one of the game's most respected figures.
"I am very happy to return to the Brazilian National Team. It is a pride once again to defend my country," said Luiz Henrique. "When I was here, thank God, I did very well. I had a lot of good performances, so I think I left a very good impression on the Brazilian National Team and the fans. This return for me is a lot of work and a lot of humility. I hope that in these two games I can help Brazil again."
"When I heard my name in the call-up, I was very anxious to be called up by a coach who has already won many things in world football," Henrique continued. "I was a little anxious, of course, but when I arrived here, I saw that he is an excellent guy, a great friend, partner and who helps the players a lot. I want to do my best to help the Brazilian National Team and Ancelotti."
The match against Chile presents Ancelotti with a valuable opportunity to experiment with his squad, refine his tactics, and instill a winning mentality as Brazil prepares for the challenges that lie ahead. With the Maracana as the backdrop, this World Cup qualifier promises to be a memorable occasion for Ancelotti, his players, and the passionate Brazilian fans.