Ancelotti ‘very clear’ about what ‘anxious’ Brazil must improve after 1-1 draw vs. Morocco

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti examines Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco in their 2026 World Cup debut: ‘The team was anxious, gave the ball away, and lacked balance on the field,’ but the result ‘is not bad.’

Vinicius Junior cancelled out Ismael Saibari’s opener in the first half, setting the result at 1-1 at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.

Italy legend Ancelotti, who made their coaching debut at the World Cup with Brazil, said at full-time: “The match, especially in the first half, was difficult. The team was anxious, gave the ball away, and lacked balance on the field. The second half was much better.

“The team will improve in the next match. The team had problems in the first half. Too many balls were lost. We have to improve in that aspect. We cannot lose confidence.”

Ancelotti already gained World Cup experience in 1994, when he served as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant to the Italy national team.

“In a first World Cup match, anything can happen. The team was never going to be perfect in the first game. The result is not bad, but we will fight in the second half,” Ancelotti added.

“The team fought until the last minute, and I am very clear about what we have to improve. What we did well in the two friendlies did not come off well in the first half. We have to keep working to have a more balanced team and be more aggressive up front.”

Brazil’s next game is against Haiti on June 20, while their third and final group-stage game against Scotland is scheduled for June 25.