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Tangier – Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti faced immediate criticism after his team drew 1-1 with Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as media and fans question his tactics and Brazil’s lack of control.
Morocco started the game with intensity and quickly pushed Brazil onto the back foot. The Atlas Lions pressed high, moved the ball forward with pace, and created early chances that unsettled the five-time world champions. Within the first 30 minutes, Morocco fired 12 shots on goal, a statistic that drew wide attention across international coverage.
Ismail Saibari gave Morocco the lead after a sharp attacking move finished with a composed strike past Alisson Becker. Brazil responded later through Vinícius Júnior, who scored the equalizer to rescue a point.
Even after the draw, criticism focused on Brazil’s performance and Ancelotti’s game plan, especially his initial decisions. His choice to leave Endrick on the bench and the tactical setup he used drew strong criticism from supporters, who questioned Brazil’s lack of attacking urgency and slow adjustments during the match.
Many fans called for changes ahead of the next game, arguing that the team needs more offensive sharpness and better balance in midfield. “I hope that in the next match Ancelotti thinks a bit and puts our boy Endrick to play alongside Vini, or forget about this World Cup title,” an X user said.
“Does Ancelotti even know there’s a rule in football that allows substitutions? Like… it’s not that hard, you know,” another said.
Trabalho do Ancelotti é ruim é muito limitado taticamente e ele recebe 10 milhões de reais
— Kadu Cec (@K4du11) June 14, 2026
In addition, Brazilian commentator Mauro Cezar Pereira delivered a harsh assessment of Ancelotti’s start. Speaking on Posse de Bola on Canal UOL, he said Brazil showed “absolutely nothing” as a team and relied on individual quality to avoid defeat.
Cezar argued that Brazil still lacks any reliable collective structure and pointed to Vinícius as the only player who prevented a worse result. He criticized the overall development of Ancelotti’s work, saying the team shows no clear identity or functioning unit after more than a year in charge.
His comments added to growing pressure on the coach following a disappointing opening performance at the World Cup.
Brazil now return to action under growing pressure to respond quickly. They face Haiti on Friday in a match that could shape their progress in the group stage and either ease or further intensify scrutiny on Ancelotti’s early days in charge.
