Solbakken Downplays Challenge to Ancelotti Before Norway-Brazil Clash

Norway national team head coach Stale Solbakken praised Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, ahead of their World Cup 2026 Round of 16 matchup, clarifying that a video clip where he appeared to challenge Ancelotti was merely a joke taken out of context.

Norway will face five-time world champion Brazil on July 5th in the final Round of 16 match.

Before the game, a video released by the Norwegian Football Federation showed Solbakken's motivational remarks to players following Norway's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, ending with: "And just wait, Carlo Ancelotti—we're coming for you."

Solbakken later clarified the comments, saying: "It's not provocation at all. He may be one of the greatest coaches in European football history, alongside Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and one or two others from a historical perspective."

"I have great respect for him. I faced him two or three times when I managed FC Copenhagen in Champions League matches against Chelsea and Real Madrid. He's a great person, very funny, and we respect him greatly. We also have immense respect for Brazil as a nation. So I think they see the humorous side of it. It wasn't meant as deep analysis."

Solbakken also acknowledged Brazil as championship favorites: "I think Brazil is gradually adapting better and better. They have strong players in every position. We're looking forward to this challenge. Brazil is definitely the favorite and a favorite to win the championship. But now it's our fate to face them, and we must play as well as we possibly can."