Brazilian icon Romário has called for Carlo Ancelotti to be sacked as Brazil manager without delay, branding the Selecão's Round of 16 elimination by Norway at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a national embarrassment.

Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, the 1994 World Cup winner pulled no punches in his verdict on Ancelotti's handling of the match. "He cannot remain Brazil's head coach. If I had been in charge of the federation, I would have walked into the dressing room, told him to go to hell and torn up his contract on the spot," Romário said.

"The match against Norway was a disgrace. I'd even take him to court. Then we'll see what happens, but he cannot stay."

Tactical decisions under fire

Romário directed particular anger at specific choices Ancelotti made during the Norway defeat. He questioned the decision to substitute Bruno Guimarães and deploy Ederson out of position at full-back, and pointed to a failure in squad planning — arguing that Brazil went into the tournament without adequate full-back cover.

His criticism extended to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), which he accused of bearing responsibility for the structural failings that contributed to the exit.

CBF pledges continuity despite the storm

Despite the fury from Romário and other critics, the CBF appears set to keep Ancelotti in charge. Football Director Rodrigo Caetano spoke shortly after the defeat and made the federation's position clear.

"He is our manager and will be throughout this cycle. One of the main reasons we failed in this World Cup was not to have proper, stable guidance long-term that would have prepared our national team the way it should for a World Cup — and we cannot make the same mistake again."

Ancelotti is widely expected to remain at the helm of the Selecão through the next World Cup cycle, with the 2030 tournament scheduled to be held across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.