Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti said a tactical error taken during a hydration break led to their unexpected elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Norway.
Brazil’s bid for a sixth World Cup crown was cruelly cut short in the Round of 16 following a defeat to Norway.
Ancelotti took responsibility for the loss and pointed to the second-half hydration break as a significant moment.
According to ESPN, Ancelotti said “I think we lost the World Cup in the hydration break against Norway. Why? Because, up until then, the team had been in control”
“That’s where my mistake may have been,thinking the team had lost control of the match when they hadn’t”
Ancelotti admitted he might have misread things when he tried to alter his team’s strategy. The setback has subsequently raised bigger worries about Brazil’s future
Brazil are looking at the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup and veteran figures such as Neymar andCasemiro are supposedly no longer part of his plans.
Despite the disappointment, Ancelotti has reiterated his commitment to Brazil and dismissed speculations he could quit.
The veteran coach will now turn his attentions to rebuilding the Seleção following a World Cup exit he says came down to one key tactical choice.
