Defence, not Jogo Bonito, won Brazil World Cups — Ancelotti

By Enitan Abdultawab

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has stressed that defensive discipline, and not just attacking flair, will be key if the Selecao are to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking during a technical briefing ahead of the Selecao’s friendly versus Croatia, the Italian manager challenged the long-held belief that Brazil’s success is built purely on entertaining, free-flowing football, insisting that history tells a different story.

“Joga Bonito? Brazil won their last two World Cups by combining talent and defence,” Ancelotti said.

He pointed to Brazil’s triumphs in 1994 and 2002 as examples of tactical balance rather than outright attacking play.

“In 2002, they played with three centre-backs, and in 1994, they used two lines of four to boost Romário. The World Cup is won by whoever concedes the least, not whoever scores the most,” he added.

Ancelotti, who took charge of the national team in May 2025, said his approach is shaped by the realities of modern tournament football, where structure and organisation often outweigh spectacle.

“I don’t like being called defensive, but it’s key for the team,” he explained. “Modern tournament football rewards organisation over entertainment.”

Despite having attacking stars like Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha at his disposal, the former Real Madrid manager maintained that a compact defensive setup will give Brazil the best chance of ending their 24-year World Cup drought.

“A disciplined backline allows our individual brilliance to shine without leaving the team exposed,” he said.

With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Ancelotti believes Brazil must strike the right balance between flair and structure if they are to reclaim the trophy.

Ancelotti’s men already lost to Didier Deschamps’ France by two goals to one, a loss that awakened the Brazil team to the reality of their form ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

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