Ancelotti reveals how Brazil will face Haaland in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup

Home Sport Ancelotti reveals how Brazil will face Haaland in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup
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July 5, 2026July 5, 2026By Mario Vásquez
Ancelotti reveals how Brazil will face Haaland in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup

The Brazilian team refines the final details for the round of 16 match final of the 2026 World Cup against Norway, and its coach, Carlo Ancelotti, made it clear that the Canarinha will not prepare an exclusive strategy to neutralize the main figure of the Scandinavian team, Erling Haaland.

In a press conference prior to the match, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the Italian coach assured that his defenders have enough experience to face the Manchester City forward.

“There is no anti-Haaland plan. I am not going to explain how to mark Haaland to Gabriel or Marquinhos, who have already faced him many times”said Ancelotti.

The Brazilian coach recognized the danger posed by the Norwegian attacker, who has five goals in the World Cup, but emphasized that Brazil’s concern goes beyond a single player.

Norway, much more than Haaland

Ancelotti highlighted that Norway has a high-quality squad, also led by Martin Ødegaard, as well as attackers such as Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa, footballers capable of making a difference at any moment. “Norway is a difficult team, well balanced, with structure and quality. We have to give our best to advance,” said the strategist.

The coach admitted feeling “worried and anxious”, a common feeling before decisive matches, although he assured that the group arrives with confidence after overcoming the previous round.

Despite qualifying for the round of 16, Ancelotti believes that Brazil still has room for improvement in the tournament and that the team has not yet reached its maximum football level. “We can still improve our quality of play and have greater consistency,” he said.

Paqueta’s doubt

Another of the issues addressed by Ancelotti was the absence of midfielder Lucas Paquetá, who will not be available due to injury. The coach avoided revealing who will take his place in the starting lineup, although the main candidates are Danilo Santos and Gabriel Martinelli.

The decision, as he explained, will depend on the tactical approach he seeks to face a Norwegian team that combines physical power with offensive talent.

With Haaland as the main threat, but with a Norway loaded with resources, Brazil will seek to impose its hierarchy to continue advancing in the fight to win the sixth world title in its history.

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