New Delhi: Brazil need to have a strong defensive foundation to win a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup, believes head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The five-time champions are clubbed in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland for the tournament to be held between June 11 and July 19, with Ancelotti set to announce his 26-player final squad by May 18.
“For Brazil to win the World Cup, we need talent – and we have it – and we need to defend well. There’s no other way. I’m not convinced by an attacking game alone,” the Italian coach said.
Speculation is intense on which players Ancelotti would pick but he said the squad is largely settled, confirming that veteran defender Danilo is expected to be in the plane to USA.
“Danilo is a very important player, not only on the pitch but also off it. Danilo is certain to be in the final 26-man squad because I like him… his character, his personality, his style of play,”
Former Real Madrid and Manchester City defender Danilo is currently at Brazilian club Flamengo. The 34-year-old has 67 caps for Brazil across all competitions so far and can play in all defensive positions.
“I have a fairly clear idea of the starting line-up for the first match, and the final squad is also pretty much set.”
Ancelotti’s men lost 2-1 to France in a warm-up friendly and take on Croatia in another on Tuesday.
FIFA’s proposed new offside rule will be on trials at the 2026 Canadian Premier League, it was announced on Tuesday.
CPL will be the first professional competition to stage an official pilot of the alternative offside law, proposed by former Arsenal manager and current FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger.
“This is an important pilot. By testing this new interpretation in a professional competition, we can better understand its impact, including in terms of improving clarity and the flow of the game and promoting attacking play,” Wenger said.
Aimed at boosting attacking play and improving the flow in competitive matches, the statement added.
