Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has conceded that his tactical mistakes during the hydration break may have cost his team in their 2026 FIFA World Cup defeat to Norway.
In an interview with ESPN on Thursday, the Italian stated that Brazil was in control before the planned stoppage, despite Norway having long stretches of possession in their own half.
“I think we lost the World Cup during the hydration break against Norway. Until that moment, the team was in control,” Ancelotti said.
He explained that he mistakenly assumed Brazil had lost control of the game and responded by making various tactical changes.
“That’s where my mistake may have been, thinking that the team had lost control of the game when it hadn’t,” he added.
Ancelotti admitted that the replacements disturbed Brazil’s flow, allowing Norway to capitalize on Erling Haaland’s key goal, which sealed the victory and destroyed Brazil’s hopes of earning a sixth World Cup title.
While complimenting Norway’s rigorous attitude, the former Real Madrid coach acknowledged full responsibility for the loss, conceding that his tactical changes during the water break were ultimately costly.
Haaland’s goal proved to be the game-winner, advancing Norway to the next round and terminating Brazil’s World Cup campaign.
