Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, left, talks with Brazil's Endrick at the end of the World Cup Group C match in East Rutherford, N.J.,on Saturday. | Photo Credit: AP

Carlo Ancelotti made his FIFA World Cup debut as coach as Brazil played out a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their Group C match at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday.

Ismael Saibari broke the deadlock for the Atlas Lions before Vinicius Junior equalised with a stunning right-footed curler in the first half.

After the break, neither side could find a breakthrough, despite Ancelotti bringing on Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha and Zenit St. Petersburg winger Luiz Henrique.

“The match, especially in the first half, was difficult. It was anxious, there was a loss of possession, and little balance on the field. The second half was much better,” Ancelotti added.

“The team will improve in the next game. The team had problems in the first half. Lots of balls lost. We have to improve in that aspect. We can’t lose confidence. In a first Cup game, anything can happen. The team wouldn’t be perfect in the first game.”

One of the major talking points from the game was Endrick not being used as a substitute. The 19-year-old scored eight goals and assisted as many for Lyon in the 2025-26 season, helping the club finish fourth in Ligue 1.

The Italian coach was asked about the youngster after the match, but Ancelotti chose to dodge the question. “I am not gonna comment on individual players. I am here to talk about the team,” the coach said.

Brazil, in its next match, plays Haiti, which qualified for the World Cup after 52 years and is currently trailing Scotland 0-1 at the Boston Stadium.

Published on Jun 14, 2026