Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti

Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. has admitted that his tactical decisions during the hydration break may have cost his side in their 2026 FIFA World Cup defeat to Norway.

Reflecting on the match in an interview with ESPN monitored by PUNCH Online on Thursday, the Italian said Brazil were in control before the scheduled stoppage, despite Norway enjoying long spells of possession in their own half.

“I think we lost the World Cup during the hydration break against Norway. Until that moment, the team was in control,” Ancelotti said.

He explained that he mistakenly believed Brazil had lost control of the game and responded by making several tactical changes. Related News WAFU B U-20: F’Eagles seek early semi-final ticket Infantino offers NFF, others $40m to back W’Cup plan FIFA probes Argentina players over post-final clash with Spain