Brazil planning to stick with Ancelotti for 2030 World Cup

Brazil have no intention of dismissing Carlo Ancelotti following their World Cup elimination at the hands of Norway and want him to remain in charge for the 2030 tournament.

The Selecao's wait for a record-extending sixth World Cup will stretch to at least 28 years after they were undone by Erling Haaland's brace in Sunday's 2-1 loss to Norway in New Jersey.

Having last lifted the World Cup in Japan and South Korea in 2002, Brazil's current six-tournament drought is now the longest in their history. 

It is also the first time they have gone out as early as the round of 16 since 1990, when they went down 1-0 to Argentina at the same stage.

Ancelotti's team flattered to deceive throughout the tournament, drawing 1-1 with Morocco in their opening match before 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland sealed top spot in Group C, then requiring a stoppage-time Gabriel Martinelli strike to get past Japan in the round of 32.

But they will not be pressured into making a change in the dugout, having handed Ancelotti a contract extension in May to run until the end of the 2030 World Cup.

Speaking after Sunday's elimination, national team coordinator Rodrigo Caetano said: "It is now up to us to emphasise the need for a cycle that proceeds normally, with a little more calmness; continuing our work with the coach through the 2030 World Cup while making the necessary adjustments.

"May we have at least a minimum amount of tranquillity to move forward and prepare for the next World Cup."

Despite Brazil's underwhelming tournament, Caetano believes there were positives to take from their time in the United States.

"Obviously, we're still picking up the pieces," Caetano said. "Everyone is very sad, frustrated, and disappointed; the players, the staff and the coaching staff.

"On the other hand, we can't dismiss the time we spent together. Specifically, those 38 days during which the players, all of us, and you, all had the opportunity to witness their level of commitment and professionalism, from the first day to the last."

One of the key moments in Sunday's game arrived in the first half, when Brazil were awarded a penalty at 0-0 following Kristoffer Ajer's challenge on Matheus Cunha.

Vinicius Junior was expected to take the spot-kick, having converted 12 of the 16 penalties he has taken for Real Madrid in all competitions.

Instead, Bruno Guimaraes – who has only ever taken two penalties for Newcastle United – stepped up and saw his effort repelled by Orjan Nyland. 

Asked why he didn't take the penalty after the game, Vinicius said: "Because it was the manager's decision. I never hide or shirk my responsibilities.

"At Real Madrid, whenever the manager asked me to, I took them. Here, I followed the decision that had been made. This shows that I haven't been selfish or acted in bad faith by seeking the spotlight."

Vinicius was unfortunate to be on the losing side after creating two chances and winning eight of his 13 duels – including six successful dribbles – in another bright display.

He also stepped aside when Brazil were awarded another penalty deep into second-half stoppage time, with the game realistically beyond them.

That allowed substitute Neymar to net a consolation goal and become only the second Selecao player to score at four different World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026), after Pele (1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970).