World Cup: Carlo Ancelotti criticizes ‘nervous’ Brazil after draw in Morocco
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side were “nervous” and out of sorts after being held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opening Group C match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.
In the tournament’s heavyweight opener, Morocco underlined their dark horse credentials by matching Brazil’s pace and exposing the five-time champions’ known weaknesses. Ismael Saibari’s first-half strike put Morocco ahead before Vinicius Junior produced a moment of individual brilliance. tie the score in a sold-out stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The result leaves Group C well prepared ahead of Scotland’s meeting with Haiti, while raising fresh questions about Brazil’s ability to perform under pressure.
“I don’t think we started the match well. The team was a bit nervous, we lost the ball too often and lost too many challenges. The first half was not good,” Ancelotti said after the match.
“It got better in the second half; it’s a tough game because Morocco is a good side. I think there was a bit of nervousness. In the first half they were breaking out of our press and making dangerous counter-attacks.”
BRAZIL vs MOROCCO FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: HIGHLIGHTS
Morocco, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, had the better start, repeatedly cutting through Brazil’s midfield with alarming ease. Teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed, while Achraf Hakimi and Bilal El Khannouss were constant threats down the wings.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Lucas Paqueta lost the ball in midfield, allowing Brahi Diaz to release Saibari behind Brazil’s defence. When Alisson was caught by a poorly timed lunge off his line, Saibari calmly lifted the ball over the keeper to give Morocco a deserved lead.
Brazil struggled to match Morocco’s intensity but found an equalizer through Vinicius in the 32nd minute. Collecting a pass from Bruno Guimaraes on the left edge of the penalty area, the Real Madrid winger cut inside and curled a stunning right-footed effort into the far top corner.
Despite more scrutiny after the break following the introductions of Fabinho and Danilo, Brazil failed to find the killer. Raphinha and substitute Matheus Cunha threatened late on, but Morocco’s disciplined defense held firm.
“We didn’t play well: a few challenges, a very uneven team, we lost a few balls and I think we have to be better in that sense,” Ancelotti said.
However, the Italian refused to overreact to the opening game defeat.
“I’m not disappointed with this result and I’m not happy either. You don’t win the World Cup based on the first game.”
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi was encouraged by his team’s performance but insisted his ambitions go beyond achieving the country’s historic run in 2022.
“If you ask me if I want to have the same trajectory as in 2022, no, this time I want to go further than the semi-finals,” Ouahbi said.
“It was one point but we were hoping to have more. One point is good enough and we will improve.”
Both teams remain well placed to challenge for top spot in Group C, with Brazil next up against Haiti while Morocco prepare for a crucial clash with Scotland.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
14 Jun 2026 08:02 IST