Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says he’s ‘cheering for CANADA’ in Qatar as the Italian considers the North American country his ‘second home’… and admits he would like to MANAGE them at their home World Cup in 2026
Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that due to the absence of his home country, he is supporting Canada at the 2022 World Cup.
Despite their dramatic Euro 2020 triumph last year, Ancelotti’s beloved Italy failed to reach the finals, crashing out to North Macedonia in the UEFA Second Qualifying round.
As a result, the Real Madrid boss looked elsewhere to find a team to cheer on in the finals and ultimately opted for John Herdman’s squad.
Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he is supporting Canada in the World Cup in Qatar
Speaking on Italian radio, the 63-year-old expanded on his reason for backing the Maple Leafs.
‘I will be cheering for Canada at the World Cup, as it has been absent for many years and is my second home. The president of the Canadian Federation is from Abruzzo, so everyone is cheering for Canada.’
Ancelotti has long held ties with the North American nation. His wife Mariann Auger McClay hails from Canada, and the pair resided in the country after the end of his first stint in charge of Real Madrid in 2015.
Making their first appearance in the finals since 1986, Canada are currently bottom of Group F after falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Belgium earlier this week.
Whilst the nation’s return to the competition may ultimately prove brief on this occasion, Ancelotti also dropped a hint that would definitely be cause for excitement for Canadian supporters heading into the 2026 tournament that they are set to co-host alongside Mexico and the USA.
The Real Madrid boss’ wife Mariann Auger McClay, hails from the country and the pair lived there after Ancelotti’s departure from Real Madrid in 2015
Ancelotti even hinted that he may take charge of the Maple Leafs for their 2026 World Cup campaign on home soil
‘Yes, there could be a national team, but it’s too early now. Certainly not for this World Cup. The 2026 one, why not? It could happen. If it’s Canada, why not? I’d like that, of course. Canada has done very well.’
The former Chelsea boss has never served as a manager at international level during his glittering career, despite getting his start in coaching as assistant to Arrigo Sacchi for the Azzurri.
However, he has also recently revealed that he is considering calling time on his legendary career in the game at the end of his current spell in the Spanish capital.
