Brazil exit World Cup as fans demand Ancelotti sacking and call for Guardiola

Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended in the round of 16 on Sunday as Norway claimed a 2-1 victory, with Erling Haaland scoring twice in the second half to send the five-time champions home. A late Neymar penalty proved only a consolation, while Bruno Guimarães had an earlier spot-kick saved as Brazil’s wait for a sixth title — last won in 2002 — continues.

The defeat triggered an immediate backlash on social media, with large sections of the Brazilian fanbase directing their anger at manager Carlo Ancelotti. “Bruno is at fault, Endrick is at fault. But the main one responsible for the elimination is the cowardly and arrogant Carlo Ancelotti,” one supporter wrote, accusing the Italian of instructing his side to sit back and allow Norway to dictate play.

Another fan was equally blunt: “Carlo Ancelotti is an absolute coward. An utter disgrace. He should be fired tonight.” A third added: “I like Carlo Ancelotti — who doesn’t — but I am completely unmoved by this result and he deserves the sack. To choose Neymar over Joao Pedro is an injustice punishable by this sort of disgrace. You’re not serious if you pick Neymar in 2026.”

Ancelotti, speaking after the game, struck a measured tone. “We must continue to work and improve, and find new ideas,” he said. “I believe that this loss is not the end, but the beginning of a new cycle.”

That message did little to calm supporters, many of whom have a clear idea of who should replace him: Pep Guardiola. “This selection is begging for Pep Guardiola,” wrote one fan. “The only manager who can save Brazil, Pep Guardiola,” said another. A third directly addressed the Brazilian Football Confederation: “Hey @CBF_Futebol, take advantage of this Pep Guardiola guy slipping up in the market and pay the buyout clause.”

Guardiola is available after departing Manchester City this summer, where he has been succeeded by Enzo Maresca. The Spaniard has been linked to the Brazil role on several occasions. In 2015, former Brazil and Barcelona full-back Dani Alves revealed that Guardiola had expressed interest in the position ahead of the 2014 World Cup. “Pep said he wanted to make Brazil a World Cup champion and had an entire strategy to make us a world champion,” Alves told ESPN Brasil at the time, adding that the CBF had been reluctant to appoint a foreign coach.

Whether the federation moves to act on fan sentiment — or whether Guardiola has any interest in international management — remains to be seen.