Romario urges Brazil to sack Carlo Ancelotti after World Cup exit
Former striker Romario has demanded that Brazil sack manager Carlo Ancelotti following the nation’s disastrous Round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup.
The South American giants were eliminated by Norway after Erling Haaland scored twice to render Neymar’s late penalty a mere consolation.
It marks the earliest departure from the global tournament for the Selecao since the 1990 competition in Italy.
The Italian manager was initially appointed to replicate his unprecedented club success on the international stage.
‘A national disgrace’
The 1994 World Cup winner has launched a scathing attack on the current regime, insisting the veteran tactician must be dismissed immediately.
“He cannot remain Brazil’s head coach,” Romario told talkSPORT.
If I had been in charge of the federation, I would have walked into the dressing room, told him to go to hell and torn up his contract on the spot.
The 58-year-old even suggested he would explore legal avenues against the former Real Madrid boss over the defeat.
“The match against Norway was a disgrace,” he added.
“I’d even take him to court.”
Selection controversies and media bias
The European coach has faced intense scrutiny for his squad selection ahead of the tournament.
Critics have heavily questioned the decision to include an injury-plagued, 34-year-old Neymar at the expense of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro.
Romario also accused the domestic media of offering the foreign manager a level of protection never afforded to his Brazilian predecessors.
“We had Dunga, he lost, and he left,” the legendary forward explained.
“Now we have this damned Ancelotti, who has lost and will keep on losing.
“If he were a Brazilian coach, you would have torn him apart by now, but because he’s a foreigner, nobody says anything.”
Ancelotti vows to rebuild
Despite the vitriol surrounding his position, the five-time Champions League-winning manager remains defiant about his future.
He acknowledged the profound sadness surrounding the early elimination but described the tournament as a valuable learning experience.
“We must continue to work and improve and find new ideas,” Ancelotti stated after the match.
“I believe that this loss is not the end, but the beginning of a new cycle.”