Alisson Praises Ancelotti for Brazil's Transformation for 2026 World Cup
JAKARTA - Brazil National Team (Timnas) goalkeeper Alisson Becker praised the role of Manager Carlo Ancelotti in revitalizing the Samba Team in the past year ahead of the 2026 World Cup, after years of failure and disappointment.
The Liverpool goalkeeper praised the Italian manager as a true winner on Thursday, June 11, 2026, local time, two days before Brazil's debut at the 2026 World Cup against Morocco at MetLife Stadium.
"Since the arrival of (Carlo) Ancelotti, the atmosphere has changed. He has a commanding presence and instills a sense of calm, a work-focused environment free from controversy or other distractions."
"He is a true winner. It really shows. I think you can see it in his expression and the players are aware of it too."
"This man has won everything in football, but here he is with the Brazilian national team, full of joy and enthusiasm," said Alisson.
Alisson enters his third World Cup after also playing in the 2018 and 2022 editions, joining a group of Brazil's preferred goalkeepers.
"It will be an honor to join the ranks of the great names in the history of the Brazilian national team. It is a privilege for me to participate and compete in another World Cup," he said.
The other two Brazilian number one goalkeepers to appear in three World Cups for the Selecao were Taffarel and Gilmar, both of whom lifted the trophy as world champions.
"Being a favorite doesn't guarantee anything for anyone. It doesn't guarantee that a team will be champions. Sometimes it brings an extra burden, a greater responsibility such as the weight of the jersey. We know it is a very big responsibility," said the 33-year-old goalkeeper.
Brazil will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Morocco on Sunday, June 14, 2026, WIB morning, before facing Haiti six days later in Philadelphia.
Their last match in Group C is against Scotland will take place in Miami on June 25, 2026 morning WIB.
Brazil, five-time world champions, have not tasted a World Cup trophy for a long time. The last time they won the World Cup was in the 2002 edition.