Ancelotti Urges Calm After Brazil's Shaky World Cup 2026 Start
Published June 14, 2026
Brazil opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a surprising 1-1 draw against Morocco, prompting coach Carlo Ancelotti to call for calm and patience from his squad and supporters.
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The five-time champions, Brazil, kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a 1-1 draw against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on June 14. The South American giants found themselves trailing early after Ismael Saibari put Morocco ahead. It took a moment of individual brilliance from Vinícius Júnior to secure an equalizer, salvaging a single point in their Group C opener.
The highly anticipated match saw Brazil struggle to find their customary rhythm, appearing uneasy in possession and facing significant pressure from the confident Moroccan side. Following the final whistle, head coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the team's performance and the immediate aftermath, urging both his players and the passionate fan base to remain composed.
Ancelotti acknowledged that the team's start was challenging, attributing some of the early struggles to anxiety and nerves. Despite admitting his side did not perform to expectations, he emphasized that one result does not define a World Cup campaign. With their next fixture against Scotland scheduled for June 19 in Philadelphia, Ancelotti remains confident that Brazil has ample time to refine their play and improve as the tournament progresses.