Brazil name Carlo Ancelotti as new head coach from May 26, replacing Dorival Junior

Carlo Ancelotti will become the new Brazil national team head coach from May 26.

Ancelotti will take his steps into international management, becoming Brazil's first-ever foreign head coach.

The Italian will replace Dorival Junior in the role following his departure in March, after Brazil were thrashed 4-1 by Argentina, their heaviest defeat in a World Cup qualifier.

Talks with Ancelotti's representatives reportedly began towards the end of April, and a deal between the two camps has been reached. He will lead Brazil for the first time against Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier on June 6.

A statement from the CBF described Ancelotti as "a legend of the game as the most successful manager in football history".

It added: "This landmark moment sees the coming together of two icons - the only five-time Fifa World Cup champions and a coach with an unmatched record across Europe's elite competitions.

"The CBF extends its sincere gratitude to Real Madrid and [president] Mr Perez for the cordiality and sportsmanship shown in facilitating the coach's release during his contract term, allowing this new chapter to begin with mutual respect and cooperation between the teams.

"The confederation would also like to extend its thanks to Diego Fernandes, who facilitated and led negotiations with Mr Ancelotti and Real Madrid on behalf of the CBF in Europe. The CBF warmly welcomes Mr Ancelotti and looks forward to a new era of success under his leadership."

Ancelotti's future at the Bernabeu has been in doubt for several weeks after a disappointing season, which saw them eliminated in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal.

Meanwhile, they have also fallen seven points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race, following their dramatic 4-3 defeat to the Catalan club on Sunday.

It is widely reported that former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso will replace Ancelotti in the dugout. The Spaniard announced he would depart his role as Bayer Leverkusen's head coach at the end of the season, after leading the club to their maiden Bundesliga title in 2024.