Ancelotti Calls For Calm As Brazil Make Slow World Cup Start

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has urged patience after the five-time world champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that tournaments are not won or lost on the first day.

The Seleção were made to work hard in their Group C encounter in New Jersey and found themselves on the brink of a shock defeat after Morocco’s Ismael Saibari fired the Atlas Lions into the lead.

However, a moment of brilliance from Vinícius Júnior rescued a point for Brazil, with the Real Madrid star producing a superb equaliser to prevent the South Americans from suffering their first opening-match defeat at a World Cup since 1934.

Despite avoiding defeat, Ancelotti admitted his side fell well below expectations and struggled to cope with the pressure and nerves of their tournament debut.

“It was a difficult match, especially at the beginning,” Ancelotti said after the game. “The team was a little anxious and nervous. We did not play well, but we cannot lose confidence.

“This is the first match of the World Cup. We cannot expect the team to be perfect from the start. The result is not ideal, but it is not a bad one either. We will look to improve in the next match.

“You do not win a World Cup based on your first match.”

Vinícius shines amid Brazil’s struggles

While Brazil’s overall display left much to be desired, Vinícius once again underlined his importance to the national team with a decisive contribution.

Ancelotti believes the 25-year-old has all the qualities required to lead Brazil’s attack throughout the tournament, particularly while Neymar continues his recovery from a calf injury.

“He played well and was very dangerous,” Ancelotti said. “He has everything needed to have a great World Cup.”

Vinícius, however, was far from satisfied with Brazil’s performance and acknowledged that the team must improve significantly if they are to challenge for a sixth world title.

“We started really badly,” he said. “After conceding the first goal it became difficult to find our rhythm. The first game of a World Cup is always complicated.

“We have to improve and keep growing because the tournament has only just begun. This is the World Cup; there are no easy matches.

“There is not much more to say. We simply have to get better.”

Morocco encouraged by impressive display

Morocco once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the most dangerous sides outside the traditional favourites, producing a disciplined and energetic performance against one of football’s global powerhouses.

Captain Achraf Hakimi praised his team’s effort and believes the Atlas Lions can build on the encouraging result as the tournament progresses.

“We are proud of the team’s performance,” Hakimi said. “We drew the match, but we are happy with how we played. We still have areas to improve and that is what we will focus on moving forward.”

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi also left the match with mixed emotions, pleased with the point but convinced his side had opportunities to claim all three.

“It was a good match and we earned a point,” Ouahbi said. “Of course, we hoped for more and perhaps we could have taken more from the game.

“We are happy today, but naturally we would have preferred to win.”

The result leaves both teams with work to do in Group C, but while Brazil escaped with a point after an unconvincing display, Morocco’s performance sent a clear message that they are capable of troubling any opponent in the competition.