Ancelotti admits Brazil's poor World Cup debut after Morocco draw

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team did not play well in their 2026 World Cup debut, a 1-1 draw against Morocco. He urged against drawing definitive conclusions from the opening match performance, acknowledging the team's struggles, especially in the first half.

“

We have to accept the criticism because we did not play a good game today, especially in the first half where we did not find the balance. The team will improve in the next match.

"We have to accept the criticism because we did not play a good game today, especially in the first half where we did not find the balance. The team will improve in the next match," Ancelotti stated after the game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He noted that Brazil improved in the second half but cannot afford to "lose strength" during a match.

Ancelotti praised Morocco's organized play, calling it a "difficult game." He also thanked the Brazilian fans, who filled approximately 70 percent of the stadium, for their support, apologizing for the inability to secure a win. "It is very nice to have this support, but I apologize to the fans for not being able to win today."

“

Morocco played well, very organized. It was a difficult game.

Brazil is scheduled to play Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia and will conclude their Group C campaign against Scotland on June 24 in Miami.

“

It is very nice to have this support, but I apologize to the fans for not being able to win today.