World Cup 2026: Ancelotti Confident Brazil Can Keep Haaland Quiet

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence that his players know exactly what is required to deal with Norway striker Erling Haaland when both teams meet in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Haaland has been one of the tournament's standout performers, scoring five goals in three matches to emerge as one of the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.

However, Ancelotti believes Brazil's experienced defenders are already familiar with the Manchester City forward and require no special instructions.

The Italian manager pointed to the fact that Gabriel Magalhaes has regularly faced Haaland in the Premier League, while captain Marquinhos has also encountered the prolific striker in European competition.

According to Ancelotti, those previous meetings have given his defenders enough knowledge to handle the challenge.

Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes echoed his coach's confidence but stressed that Brazil must prevent Haaland from receiving quality service.

He admitted the Norwegian can change the outcome of a game with a single opportunity, making it essential for Brazil to disrupt the supply from midfield.

Brazil will enter the match without Lucas Paqueta, who is unavailable because of injury, forcing Ancelotti to make adjustments in midfield.

The coach also revealed that winger Raphinha is recovering well from a thigh problem and could feature from the bench.

Ancelotti added that Brazil's dramatic victory over Japan has boosted the squad's confidence, while he refused to rule out Neymar and Vinicius Junior playing together during the knockout clash against Norway.