Carlo Ancelotti is hitting the road again. The Brazil National Team head coach, alongside Rodrigo Caetano, the general executive coordinator of the Men's National Teams, will be in Curitiba this Sunday (17) to scout the Athletico-PR vs. Flamengo clash. The match, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Arena da Baixada, marks the 16th round of the Brazilian Série A Championship and will be Ancelotti's first visit to the capital of Paraná.

This scouting trip comes at a pivotal moment for the Seleção. Just one day later, on Monday (18), Ancelotti will announce the 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at an event at the Museum of Tomorrow in downtown Rio de Janeiro, starting at 5 p.m. Brasília time. The timing couldn't be more critical, as the coach looks to evaluate top-tier domestic talent before finalizing his call-ups.

The trip also follows a major development in Brazilian football: on Thursday (14), the CBF confirmed a four-year contract extension for Ancelotti, his coaching staff, and the entire National Teams Department, keeping them in place through the 2030 World Cup. This move signals a strong vote of confidence in the Italian tactician's vision and is designed to provide him with a full, uninterrupted preparation cycle for the next World Cup. For fans and players alike, it's a clear sign that the federation is betting big on continuity and long-term success.