Ancelotti commended Vinicius and Raphinha after their performances ensured Brazil qualified for the 2026 World Cup

Following a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay and a goalless draw against Ecuador, Brazil has qualified for the upcoming World Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti shared his insights on key players, highlighting Vinicius and Raphinha's exceptional qualities while adopting a diplomatic stance regarding Neymar Jr.

This successful start under Ancelotti offers him a solid foundation to build his new project aimed at claiming Brazil's sixth World Cup title.

The Italian tactician acknowledges that much of Brazil's future success hinges on managing the dynamics around Neymar Jr and harnessing the talents of two players he knows well: Vinicius Jr, who remains under his guidance after leaving Real Madrid, and Raphinha, whose performances in clashes against Barcelona this season have left a strong impression on him. Ancelotti sees Raphinha as a vital figure for the team.

Celebrating his 66th birthday with the home crowd, Ancelotti was welcomed warmly by the fans and responded with a commitment to his winning philosophy: attacking football fueled by faith in the squad's key players. "It's very difficult in football for everything to go perfectly, but these past 15 days have been good," he reflected, aware of the pressure ahead. This approach calls for his players to maintain high pressure, intensity, and dedication—elements his Real Madrid side sometimes lacked this season.

"Modern football demands intensity with and without the ball. Pressing is crucial because it disrupts the opponent's game. The challenge is that pressing requires running, sacrifice, commitment, and attitude, all of which the team has shown in these two matches," Ancelotti explained.

His method seems to echo the style of Hansi Flick's Barcelona, recent domestic treble winners, rather than his last Real Madrid team.

While Ancelotti is confident Vinicius can shine for Brazil just as he does for Real Madrid, he reserved special praise for Raphinha, emphasising that the Barcelona winger combines "quality with extraordinary physical work," calling him "a spectacular player." Coupled with his admiration for Casemiro, whom he describes as a "very reliable" asset due to his experience and leadership, Ancelotti is shaping a clear blueprint for Brazil’s success.

Regarding Neymar, currently sidelined due to injury and a subject of intense debate about his form and future, Ancelotti chose diplomacy. "Neymar came to the team hotel, we greeted him and hugged him. Where can he play? Neymar can play anywhere on the pitch," he commented, avoiding definitive statements.

Looking ahead, Ancelotti plans to adjust to the rhythm of international football after years of intense club schedules. "First, I will take a holiday—I can't even remember the last time I had one. Second, I’ll watch the Club World Cup; and third, we have a broad list of about seventy Brazilian players from Brazil, Europe, and the Arab world to evaluate. Any of these seventy could make it to the World Cup," he announced, signalling a thorough scouting and selection process for the squad.