Ancelotti Questions Referee’s Experience Following Brazil’s Defeat to Japan
Carlo Ancelotti expressed frustration with the referee’s decisions after he was shown a red card during Brazil’s 3-2 loss to Japan in a friendly match held in Singapore.
Japan surged to a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes at the National Stadium, thanks to goals from Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura. Vinícius Júnior managed to equalize with two goals, and Endrick, who is rumored to be attracting interest from Roma and Milan, came close to scoring by hitting the crossbar while the score stood at 2-2.
In dramatic fashion, Japan found the net again in stoppage time for a winning goal. Brazil contested that João Gomes was fouled in the lead-up, prompting Ancelotti to enter the pitch in protest, which led to his dismissal by Singaporean referee Jansen Foo Chuan Hui. Raphinha also received a red card for his protests from the bench.
“The result was clearly affected by the referee, who wasn’t able to control the game,” Ancelotti stated, according to quotes via IlNapolista. “But it isn’t really his fault. This was a high-level game, and I don’t think he had the experience to handle a match like this.
“He showed me a red card because he said I wasn’t able to control my bench, since the players were on the pitch.”
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 19: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
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Ancelotti on Brazil’s performance
The CBF’s national teams director, Rodrigo Caetano, also criticized the referee’s selection. FIFA designates the referee for away friendlies at the request of the home federation, which, in this instance, was Japan.
Ancelotti acknowledged that his team began the match poorly but felt they earned more from the game.
“The first part wasn’t good. The defensive line didn’t move well, we tried to press high and it didn’t work,” he mentioned. “After the 20th minute, the team created chances and played well with the ball, and I’m satisfied with that part. We played with rhythm and intensity, and we could have won. It’s a shame about the result, because I don’t like losing, but we have to look at the good things we did.”
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 13: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, reacts after the 1-1 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Japan’s victory marks only their second win over Brazil in history. Both Ancelotti and Raphinha will be unavailable for the upcoming friendly against Singapore at the same venue.
