Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager, and defender Gabriel Magalhães have publicly pointed out the shortcomings of the Brazilian national team following their recent performance. Ancelotti, who has been linked with the Brazil job, noted that the team lacks defensive organization and tactical discipline. Gabriel, a center-back for Arsenal, echoed these sentiments, stating that Brazil's backline needs improvement to compete at the highest level.
The comments came after Brazil's 1-1 draw against Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier on June 12, 2026, where defensive errors led to the equalizer. Ancelotti, speaking to Italian media, said, 'Brazil has immense talent, but they need to fix their defensive structure. Without that, they will struggle in big tournaments.' Gabriel added, 'We have to be more focused and organized at the back. It's a collective issue.'
Brazil currently sits third in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, with 24 points from 12 matches, trailing Argentina and Uruguay. The team has conceded 10 goals in the campaign, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Manager Dorival Júnior has faced criticism for inconsistent selections and tactics.
Ancelotti, who has been heavily rumored to take over Brazil after the 2026 World Cup, declined to comment on his future. Gabriel, however, stressed the need for immediate improvement, saying, 'We have to learn from our mistakes and grow as a team.'
