Hydration break tactical changes led to Haaland’s goal, says Ancelotti

July 30, 2026 8:09 am

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.

“That’s where my mistake may have been, thinking that the team had lost control of the game when it hadn’t,” he added.

Ancelotti acknowledged that the substitutions disrupted Brazil’s rhythm, allowing Norway to capitalise through Erling Haaland, whose decisive strike sealed the victory and ended Brazil’s hopes of winning a sixth World Cup title.

While praising Norway’s disciplined approach, the former Real Madrid coach accepted full responsibility for the defeat, admitting that his tactical adjustments during the hydration break ultimately proved costly.

Haaland’s goal proved to be the decisive moment of the match, sending Norway into the next round and bringing Brazil’s World Cup campaign to an end.

Gilbert Ekugbe

Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

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