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Ancelotti extends Real contract until 2026
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2026, the LaLiga club said on Friday.
Ancelotti has been at Real since 2021, having previously managed the club from 2013 to 2015. The Italian has won one league title with Real, along with two Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups.
“Real Madrid C. F. and Carlo Ancelotti have agreed to extend our coach’s contract until June 30, 2026,” Real said in a statement.
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His contract was due to expire in 2024, and this extension ends speculation that Ancelotti would take over as manager of Brazil.
In March of this year, then Brazilian FA (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues told Reuters that Ancelotti was his main target for the position of national team coach.
In July, when introducing caretaker manager Fernando Diniz, he remained confident: “He (Ancelotti) will be here, you can be sure of that,” Rodrigues said.
Ancelotti, the only manager to have won a title in all of Europe’s big five leagues, had previously refused to speak about his plans.
“I’ll give you the chance to ask another question,” Ancelotti told a reporter at a press conference before Real’s Champions League match against Napoli last month, when asked if he would be at the club for another season.
Earlier this month, Rodrigues was removed from his post by a Rio de Janeiro court which annulled an assembly of the organisation held in 2022 in which Rodrigues was elected to lead the CBF until 2026.
The president of the Superior Court of Sports Justice Jose Perdiz was named interim head, and sources told Reuters that CBF’s political situation and uncertainty was a key factor for Ancelotti’s decision to accept the Real Madrid offer.
Real lead LaLiga standings on goal difference ahead of Girona after 18 games, and their next game sees them host Mallorca on Wednesday.
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World Cup 202613 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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