Carlo Ancelotti admitted nerves affected Brazil national football team during their disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco national football team in their opening Group C match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The five-time world champions struggled to impose themselves for long periods at the MetLife Stadium, with Ancelotti acknowledging that anxiety contributed to a lacklustre first-half performance in his first-ever World Cup match as a coach.
“I think the team was a bit anxious in the beginning,” Ancelotti said after the game. “Nerves were all over the place. We didn’t keep a lot of ball possession. In the second half, it was a lot better, but it was still tough, and I’m sure the team will do better in the next match.”
Brazil were rescued by a moment of brilliance from Vinicius Junior, whose stunning 32nd-minute strike cancelled out Morocco’s opener and ensured the Selecao avoided a shock defeat.
Despite enjoying greater control after the interval, Brazil failed to deliver the dominant display many expected. Ancelotti attempted to change the game’s momentum at halftime, introducing Fabinho and Danilo in place of Casemiro and Roger Ibanez.
The substitutions improved Brazil’s midfield control, but the South Americans were unable to find a winning goal against a disciplined Moroccan side.
Vinicius, who was Brazil’s brightest attacking threat throughout the contest, admitted the team must improve quickly if they are to challenge for a sixth World Cup crown.
“We’ve got to hold on to the ball. We’ve got to move better,” the Real Madrid star said. “But I don’t think there’s a lot to say now. I think we really have to improve.”
Ancelotti also defended his team selection and rejected suggestions that individual players should shoulder the blame for the disappointing display.
“Those were good players,” he said. “I think I made the right choices, and I will not take any criticism about the individual players that started the match. The criticism is for the entire team that didn’t play well during the first half.”
While Brazil remain unbeaten and picked up a valuable point, the performance exposed areas that require urgent attention. With tougher tests ahead in Group C, both Ancelotti and his players know a significant improvement will be needed if the Selecao are to live up to their status as one of the tournament favourites.
