Brazil was eliminated early from the Copa America after losing to Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals. This exit was a significant shock for fans of the Selecao, who were hoping to reclaim the title that has been absent since 2019. Coach Dorival Junior was unable to establish his credentials with the samba dancers, similar to his predecessors Fernando Diniz and Tite.
In a new episode of the series "What If?", we consider a hypothetical answer to the question: "What if the Brazilian national team had successfully hired Carlo Ancelotti before the Copa America?" The Brazilians pursued Ancelotti vigorously last summer to take on the coaching role, but their attempts were unsuccessful.
One can easily imagine Brazil in the Copa final had they secured the experienced Italian coach before the tournament, given his expertise in major events. If that had happened, the possibility of Brazil reaching the final and facing Argentina would have been very high, providing an opportunity for the samba stars to avenge their previous defeat to the tango dancers in the last final.
Before the just-concluded Copa America, which saw Argentina claim their 16th title and second in a row, everyone was eager to witness the direct rivalry between Lionel Messi, the tango legend, and Vinicius Junior, the new star of Brazil in the absence of injured Neymar da Silva.
"Vini" had an amazing season with Real Madrid, leading the team to win both the Champions League and La Liga, entering the Copa America as a leading contender for the Ballon d'Or. However, this status was slightly shaken after the continental tournament exit in the second round against Uruguay, while Lionel Messi continued on his path toward lifting the trophy.
Perhaps Ancelotti's presence would have helped Vinicius shine in the yellow jersey, surpassing the living legend Lionel Messi, and significantly influencing the Ballon d'Or race.
Historically, the Brazilian team is considered the greatest in football history, having won the most important tournament, the World Cup, five times—a record. The samba dancers are unique as the only major team never to have had a non-Brazilian coach. If Ancelotti had taken charge, he would have become the first foreign coach in history to have the honor of leading Brazil.
