The Brazilians were deeply disappointed by their performance in the 2022 edition of the tournament, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Croatia, while their arch-rivals Argentina went on to win the trophy.
Tite, who had been in charge for six years, decided to step down after their elimination.
After months of negotiations with Ednaldo Rodrigues, the head of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), Ancelotti agreed to take over as the coach of Brazil.
Despite previously stating that his role at Real Madrid would be his last after nearly three decades in coaching, Ancelotti’s mindset changed when presented with the opportunity to take on one of the most prestigious and demanding positions in football.
The Brazilian hierarchy cited Ancelotti’s impressive track record of winning trophies, as well as his relaxed demeanor and ability to foster strong relationships with players, as the factors that attracted them to him as their new coach.
“We went after him not only due to his record, but also because he is a decent person,” Rodrigues told beIN Sports recently.
“Those who have worked with him say that he is open, cultured, and he appreciates Brazilian football.”
One moment his love of Brazilian football was put on hold was when he was assistant coach to Arrigo Sacchi as Italy lost to Brazil on penalties in the 1994 World Cup final.
With Brazil, Ancelotti will have some familiar faces from Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Eder Militao have been key players in his latest spell with Real which has resulted in six trophies.
“He is the best coach in the world,” said Vinicius, who has developed under Ancelotti and formed a close bond with the coach who supported the 22-year-old Brazilian when he was the target of racist abuse last season.
Ancelotti will be the fourth non-Brazilian to coach Brazil. The last was Argentine Filpo Nunez who was in charge for one game in 1965.
Ancelotti has won the Champions League twice with both AC Milan and Real Madrid.
He has won domestic league titles with Real and Milan, in England with Chelsea, in Germany with Bayern Munich and in France with Paris Saint-Germain.
‘It is a dream’
Ramon Menezes has been in charge of the Brazil team since Tite stood down on a caretaker basis.
The Brazilian federation had announced earlier on Wednesday that Fluminense’s Fernando Diniz would take charge of the team for the coming year.
“Fernando Diniz will lead the Brazilian team for a year, and I’m sure he will do it with great competence, as always during his professional career,” said Rodrigues in a video statement.
The 49-year-old will be in charge of the first six South American qualifying games for the 2026 World Cup this year, including the clashes with world champions Argentina and Uruguay.
“It is a dream, an honour and a huge pride to serve the national team,” Diniz said.
Brazil will start their qualifying campaign in September at home against Bolivia and then away against Peru.