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Ancelotti highlights the team’s evolution

Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti celebrated Brazil’s performance in the 3-0 win over Scotland, for the last date of Group C of the 2026 World Cup. Vinicius Júnior scored a double and joined Neymar’s return to the field.

“We are playing as a team, that is the goal. We are not perfect, we have things to improve, but I am happy because the team has improved a lot and is now solid,” said Ancelotti after the duel at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The coach, who coached Vinicius at Real Madrid, described him as “one of the best in the world.” The forward has already scored four goals in the tournament: the draw against Morocco in the debut and the decisive goal against Haiti on the second day.

Rhythm and effectiveness in attack

Ancelotti pointed out that, compared to the first match, the team reduced errors and showed more rhythm and offensive effectiveness. The squad enjoyed their first day of rest since the start of the competition.

Brazil is seeking its sixth world title, the first since Korea-Japan 2002. The delegation is staying in New Jersey, waiting to meet its rival in the round of 32, which will be the second in Group F.

Thousands of fans celebrated in Miami, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Brasilia, where giant screens were installed. The governor of Rio de Janeiro and the capital’s mayor’s office declared a holiday for public employees on Monday the 29th, when Brazil will play in the round of 16 at the NRG Stadium in Houston.

First Mexican referee in a World Cup

This Thursday, June 25, Mexican Katia Itzel García will become the country’s first central whistler to direct a World Cup match. The event is at the Kansas City Stadium, where justice will be served in the duel between Tunisia and the Netherlands, valid for the last day of Group F.

The Mexico City native and UNAM graduate was appointed by the FIFA Referees Commission last Monday. Until now she had participated in three games of the tournament as the fourth referee: Netherlands 2-2 Japan, England 4-2 Croatia and United States 2-0 Australia. Her debut as a center back places her in a place of honor in Mexican refereeing history.

Mexican support on the bands

García Mendoza will be accompanied by her compatriot Sandra Ramírez as assistant number one, and by the Spanish José Enrique Naranjo as assistant number two. The meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. (central Mexico) and will be broadcast by ViX Premium (World Pass 2026).

The party is relevant to define the leader of the sector. Tunisia is already eliminated after losing its first two matches against Sweden and Japan, so it will seek to close with dignity. The Netherlands, on the other hand, seeks to secure first place after drawing 2-2 with Japan and beating Sweden 5-1. The top of the table is not yet assured.

Katia Itzel García’s performance will be under the microscope. Her career and preparation support her for this moment that marks a before and after in Mexican women’s refereeing.

Logistics complaint after the feat

South Africa booked its ticket to the Round of 16 of the World Cup by beating South Korea, but coach Hugo Broos did not hide his annoyance at the forced itinerary.

The team must return to Pachuca before traveling to Los Angeles to face Canada. Broos assured that he preferred to go directly to the headquarters of the next game, but the organizational rules prevented it.

“It is a shame that first we have to travel to Pachuca and then to Los Angeles, FIFA did not allow us to travel to Los Angeles tomorrow and it is a bit annoying,” said the Belgian strategist.

The coach added that the priority now is recovery. Despite the setback, the team’s confidence stood out after overcoming the group stage.

“I would have preferred to travel tomorrow to the place where we are going to play, but it is not possible… what we did today is very good,” he said.

Broos also called qualifying one of the most emotional moments of his career. South Africa came to the tournament with pressure and doubts, but achieved its objective.

“The feelings were increasingly intense until the final whistle… not only to win but to advance,” he recalled.

Now, the South Africans are looking to extend their World Cup dream against Canada. A win would mark the brightest chapter in Broos’ career.