Rabat – Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says he will not focus on naming a fixed starting XI for the World Cup opener against Morocco, insisting that every member of his 26‑man squad is considered a “starter.”
Speaking on Friday ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Egypt, Ancelotti explained that his priority is to test the entire squad rather than settle on one team.
“I believe I have a very strong list and I want to use it fully,” he said. “I don’t want to focus only on the first match line‑up. This group offers many solutions.”
Asked how many of his World Cup candidates would feature against Egypt, Ancelotti replied:
“I can’t say who will start tomorrow. For me, they are all starters. My job is to pick the best for the first game, but the team could change in the second or third. I have an idea, but I don’t know who will finish the first match.”
Ancelotti also dismissed the idea that one team stands out as the clear favorite to win the 2026 World Cup.
He argued that the gap between top nations has narrowed. “Honestly, I don’t see one team above the rest. Many sides can win it. The champion will be the one able to hide its weaknesses,” he said.
Brazil are drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. Their campaign begins against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, followed by Scotland on June 19 at Gillette Stadium in Boston, and Haiti on June 24 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
