Carlo Ancelotti blamed an inexperienced referee after he was sent off during Brazil’s 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in Singapore.
Japan took a 2-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes at the National Stadium through Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura. Vinícius Júnior scored twice to level the game, and Endrick, who’s being linked with Roma and Milan, hit the crossbar with the score at 2-2.
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Japan then scored a winner in stoppage time. Brazil felt João Gomes had been fouled in the build-up, and Ancelotti ran onto the pitch to protest and was sent off by Singaporean referee Jansen Foo Chuan Hui. Raphinha was also dismissed for protesting from the bench.
“The result was clearly affected by the referee, who wasn’t able to control the game,” Ancelotti said, with 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 criticised the appointment. For away friendlies, FIFA chooses the referee at the request of the home federation, which in this case was Japan.
Ancelotti admitted his side started poorly but felt they deserved more.
“The first part wasn’t good. The defensive line didn’t move well, we tried to press high and it didn’t work,” he said. “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)
It’s only Japan’s second-ever win over Brazil. Ancelotti and Raphinha will both miss Tuesday’s friendly against Singapore at the same stadium.