New Delhi, May 12 : The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), on Tuesday announced the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as head coach till the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ancelotti, who was contracted with Real Madrid till 2026, will join the Brazil national team on May 26, a day after Real's final La Liga encounter. After a highly successful tenure at the club, Ancelotti will depart after Real were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League by Arsenal and faced losses in the finals of the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana by the hands of arch rivals FC Barcelona.

The news comes a day after Real were defeated by FC Barcelona in the final El Clasico of the season which saw the Los Blancos fall seven points behind in the La Liga standings. It is understood that Ancelotti will be replaced by former Bayer Leverkusen head coach, and Real Madrid player, Xabi Alonso after the Spanish international left his club earlier this month.

'The greatest national team in the history of football will now be led by the most successful coach in the world. Carlo Ancelotti, synonymous with historic achievements, was announced this Monday (12) by the CBF president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, as the new coach of the Brazilian national team. He will lead Brazil until the 2026 World Cup and will already coach the Canarinho in the next two matches of the World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, next month,' read the statement by Brazil Football.

The 3-4 loss against FC Barcelona on Sunday Ancelotti's 350th match with Real Madrid across two stints, he returned to the club in 2021. His stellar record has seen him take charge of 247 wins, 50 draws and 53 defeats while managing the team.

Ancelotti, who is already the coach with the second-most matches in Real Madrid's history after Miguel Munoz (605), has won 15 titles in the Madrid dugout, making him the most successful in the club's 123-year history with three Champions Leagues, Club World Cups and European Super Cups each and 2 LaLiga titles, Copa del Reys and Spanish Super Cups each.

Former head coach Dorival Jr was dismissed from his role after an underwhelming 14-month tenure. Brazil, who are the record winners of the FIFA World Cup, have not won the tournament since 2002 and have brought in the Italian in hopes of making a strong run at the 2026 edition of the tournament.

Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil is more than a strategic move. It is a statement to the world that we are determined to reclaim the top spot on the podium. He is the greatest coach in history and, now, he is at the helm of the greatest national team on the planet. Together, we will write new glorious chapters in Brazilian football,' read the statement by Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the CBF.

/IANS