Carlo Ancelotti is really getting into the Brazilian spirit. The newly appointed Brazil national team coach was spotted living it up at Rio de Janeiro's famous carnival celebrations over the weekend. And he wasn't alone – former Milan striker and Brazil legend Ronaldo was right there with him, beers in hand.
The pair shared a brilliant moment during the festivities, drinking together and waving at massive crowds. They were in neighboring boxes when Ronaldo passed by Ancelotti on a parade float. It's exactly the kind of cultural immersion Brazil fans want to see from their new Italian boss.
Ancelotti took the Brazil job in May last year and he's gearing up for the big one – the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America this summer. Brazil have already punched their ticket to the tournament, so there's a bit of breathing room before the serious work begins. Next up are friendlies against France on March 26 and Croatia on April 1.
Ronaldo's Cheeky World Cup Squad Joke
During the carnival celebrations, Ronaldo sat down for a quick interview with local outlet ge.globo. That's when the 2002 World Cup winner dropped a funny line about his chat with Ancelotti. "We were trying to select the World Cup squad, I included myself in there," Ronaldo joked with a grin.
But beyond the humor, Ronaldo had genuine praise for his former coach. He said Ancelotti is clearly loving the experience of managing Brazil and getting to know the country's passionate people. "I'm sure he's enjoying this energy of the Brazilian people rooting for him, because he'll need it during the World Cup," Ronaldo added.
What This Means for Brazil's World Cup Chances
The fact that Ancelotti is embracing Brazilian culture so openly is a positive sign for the Seleção. The legendary coach brings incredible pedigree from his time at Milan and Real Madrid, but understanding Brazil's football culture is crucial. These carnival appearances show he's not just coaching Brazil – he's becoming part of the fabric.
For anyone looking at Brazil's World Cup odds, this kind of cultural integration matters. A coach who connects with the people and the players tends to get better results. Brazil remain one of the favorites for the 2026 tournament, and Ancelotti's blend of tactical expertise and local engagement could be the perfect formula.
The upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia will give us our first real look at what Ancelotti's Brazil might offer. These are two quality opponents that will test the squad before the World Cup kicks off. It's going to be fascinating to watch this unfold.
