Carlo Ancelotti has become Italy’s final remaining hope for glory at the 2026 World Cup after his compatriots saw their campaigns falter in the group stage. While the Italy national team failed to qualify for the tournament following their play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, three Italian managers initially flew the flag in North America. Now only Ancelotti’s Brazil remain in contention.
Vincenzo Montella guided Turkiye to the tournament but saw his side become the first nation mathematically eliminated from the competition. Defeats against Australia (2-0) and Paraguay (1-0) left Turkiye unable to progress from Group D regardless of their final result against the United States. Head-to-head records ensure Montella’s side will finish bottom of the group even if they secure maximum points.
Fabio Cannavaro faces a similarly precarious position with Uzbekistan. The 2006 World Cup-winning captain watched his team lose their opening two matches, leaving them with a maximum possible haul of three points and a goal difference of minus seven. While third-place qualification remains mathematically possible, Cannavaro’s side require favourable results elsewhere and a significant swing in goal difference during their final match against DR Congo.
Brazil Lead the Way
Ancelotti offers the sole bright spot for Italian football. His Brazil side sit top of Group C alongside Morocco on four points heading into their final group fixture against Scotland. The Selecao enter the match as clear favourites and stand on the brink of securing a place in the knock-out rounds.
Victory against Scott McTominay’s Scotland would guarantee Brazil’s progression, though they are not yet mathematically assured of advancing. The Selecao have navigated the opening phase effectively under Ancelotti’s guidance, contrasting sharply with the struggles faced by their Italian-managed counterparts.
Turkish FA Back Montella
Despite Turkiye’s premature exit, Montella appears set to retain his position. The President of the Turkish FA indicated immediate changes are unlikely, stating: “We will stand by our coach, and we will stand by our players. This is not a club team, and even their failures occur due to a lack of consistency. You can’t get rid of 15 players and bring in 15 more, or change one coach for another.”
The federation’s stance suggests Montella will oversee Turkiye’s final group match against the USA before planning for future campaigns, while Ancelotti prepares Brazil for a potential deep run in the tournament.