Brazil need no special Haaland plan, says Ancelotti

The Report Desk

Published: July 5, 2026, 06:09 PM

Brazil need no special Haaland plan, says Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti, Photo: Collected.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says his defenders already know the challenge awaiting them against Erling Haaland and do not need a special plan to stop the Norway striker in Sunday‍‍`s World Cup last-16 clash.

Haaland has scored five goals in three appearances at the tournament and remains firmly in the Golden Boot race ahead of the knockout match in New Jersey.

The Manchester City forward is set to renew his Premier League rivalry with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes, while Brazil captain Marquinhos has also faced him in Champions League football.

Ancelotti said Brazil‍‍`s defenders are experienced enough to handle the situation and insisted there is no such thing as an "anti-Haaland" strategy.

Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who has faced Haaland in the Premier League with Newcastle, said the key will be cutting off service to the Norwegian striker.

He warned that Haaland can decide a match with a single opportunity, making Brazil‍‍`s midfield control especially important.

Brazil will be without injured midfielder Lucas Paqueta, forcing Ancelotti to adjust his options in the middle of the pitch.

Heat could also play a major role in the match, with the region facing extreme temperatures and high humidity. Guimaraes said the conditions would make squad depth and fresh legs from the bench especially important.

Ancelotti said Brazil‍‍`s comeback victory over Japan in the Round of 32 had boosted the team‍‍`s confidence and left them prepared for another difficult knockout test.

The Brazil coach also said Raphinha is recovering well from a thigh injury and could be available from the bench, although he is not yet fully fit.

Ancelotti added that Neymar and Vinicius Junior could feature together at some stage against Norway, with Vinicius leading Brazil‍‍`s attack after scoring four goals at the World Cup.

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