FIFA World Cup: Carlo Ancelotti urges patience as Brazil make a lacklustre start against Morocco

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side were “nervous” and unbalanced after being held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco national football team in their opening Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

In the tournament’s first heavyweight clash, Morocco highlighted their credentials as dark horses by matching Brazil stride for stride and exposing familiar weaknesses in the five-time champions. Ismael Saibari’s first-half strike put Morocco ahead before Vinicius Junior produced a moment of individual brilliance to level the scores at a sold-out stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The result leaves Group C finely poised ahead of Scotland’s meeting with Haiti, while raising fresh questions about Brazil’s ability to deliver under pressure.

“I don’t think we started the match well. The team was a bit nervous, we lost possession too often and lost too many challenges. The first half wasn’t good,” Ancelotti said after the match.

“It improved in the second half; it’s a tough match because Morocco are 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, made the brighter start and repeatedly cut through Brazil’s midfield with alarming ease. Teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed, while Achraf Hakimi and Bilal El Khannouss consistently threatened down the flanks.

The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute when Lucas Paqueta lost possession in midfield, allowing Brahim Diaz to release Saibari behind Brazil’s defence. With Alisson caught out by an ill-timed rush off his line, Saibari calmly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to give Morocco a deserved lead.

Brazil struggled to cope with Morocco’s intensity but found an equaliser 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 enjoying greater control after the break following the introductions of Fabinho and Danilo, Brazil failed to find a winner. Raphinha and substitute Matheus Cunha both threatened late on, but Morocco’s disciplined defensive shape held firm.

“We did not play well: a few challenges, a very imbalanced team, we lost several balls and I think we have to do better in that sense,” Ancelotti said.

The Italian, however, refused to overreact to the opening-game setback.

“I am not disappointed by this result and I’m not satisfied either. You don’t win a World Cup based on your first match.”

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi was encouraged by his side’s display but insisted his ambitions extend beyond matching the country’s historic 2022 run.

“If you’re asking me if I want to have the same trajectory as in 2022, no, I want to go beyond the semi-finals this time,” Ouahbi said.

“This was one point but we hoped to have more. One point is good enough and we will improve.”

Both teams remain well-placed to challenge for the top spot in Group C, with Brazil set to face Haiti next while Morocco prepares for a crucial clash against Scotland.

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