The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has issued a decisive ultimatum to Carlo Ancelotti, setting a deadline of May 26 for the Italian manager to accept the role as head coach of the Brazil national team. As the five-time world champions seek to usher in a new era ahead of their June World Cup qualifiers, the pressure is mounting on both Ancelotti and Real Madrid.

Ancelotti, currently under contract with Real Madrid until June 2026, has been Brazil’s long-standing first-choice target to take over the Seleção. The CBF has remained patient over the past year, hoping to secure one of the most decorated managers in world soccer. However, time is running out. Brazil’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup resumes next month with fixtures against Ecuador and Paraguay, and the CBF is determined to finalize their managerial appointment before then.

According to multiple reports, including ESPN and Goal, Ancelotti has thus far insisted on seeing out the La Liga season with Real Madrid, which concludes on May 25. This has created a standoff between his current employers and the Brazilian federation. Real Madrid have not agreed to release the 64-year-old tactician early, and negotiations over a potential exit remain unresolved.

While Brazil still hopes Ancelotti will accept their proposal once the domestic season ends, the CBF is actively exploring contingency plans. Should he turn down the offer or remain entangled in contractual complications the CBF will pivot to alternative candidates. Among those reportedly being considered are Fenerbahçe's Jorge Jesus and Palmeiras' Abel Ferreira, both of whom have experience in Brazilian or South American football and are respected tacticians in their own right.

The prospect of Ancelotti managing a national team for the first time in his illustrious career has generated widespread intrigue. His résumé, which includes Champions League triumphs with AC Milan and Real Madrid, aligns with Brazil’s ambitions of returning to the summit of world soccer. Yet, whether he is ready to leave club football for the challenges of the international game remains uncertain.

As the May 26 deadline approaches, the football world watches with anticipation. Will Ancelotti take on the responsibility of leading Brazil into the 2026 World Cup on home soil? Or will he remain at the Santiago Bernabéu to continue chasing more silverware with Los Blancos?

The countdown has begun and a pivotal decision looms.