Ex-footballer Júnior, who was part of Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning team, shared his thoughts at the São Paulo Carnival, where he conversed with Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. Júnior believes that Ancelotti possesses the adequate skills and resources to guide Brazil towards winning the 2026 World Cup, hinting that his coaching style could mirror that of successful coach Felipão who led Brazil to their fifth title.

During his time at the carnival festivities, Júnior emphasized the wealth of talent in the current Brazilian team, particularly highlighting Neymar's status as a top player who could easily fit into any national squad globally. His comments reflect a growing confidence in the Brazilian team's capabilities as they prepare for the upcoming tournament, with the anticipation of adding a sixth World Cup title.

The conversation between Júnior and Ancelotti at such a culturally rich event like the Carnival signifies the intersection of sports and national identity in Brazil. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, discussions about leadership and strategy in Brazilian football are increasingly relevant, indicating that the passion for football continues to resonate deeply within the culture, even in festive settings.