Brazil Opens World Cup With Morocco Stalemate as Ancelotti Cites Possession Woes

Brazil's five-time World Cup champion side opened its 2026 tournament campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday, marking a mixed start to the squad's bid for a sixth global title. Morocco's Ismael Saibari scored first in the 21st minute before Brazil's Vinicius Junior equalized to secure a draw at the MetLife Stadium outside New York City.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti, the 67-year-old Italian who became the first foreign manager to guide Brazil in a World Cup match, addressed the team's performance in his post-match remarks. Ancelotti attributed Brazil's inability to dominate proceedings to a shortage of ball possession and imbalance across the field, particularly during the opening 45 minutes.

He noted the squad appeared nervous in the early stages but managed to improve their showing after halftime, suggesting the performance would serve as a learning experience ahead of upcoming fixtures. The draw leaves Brazil with one point from their opening Group C encounter.

The coach, who assumed his position in May 2025 with a contract running through 2030, acknowledged beforehand that facing Morocco would present a significant challenge. Ancelotti had emphasized the weight of representing a nation with Brazil's storied football tradition, though he stressed that pressure should be embraced rather than feared.

In other Group C action, Scotland marked their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a 1-0 victory over Haiti on the tournament's opening day. Scotland's goal came via an own goal by Haiti's Miro Muheim.

Brazil faces Haiti next on Saturday, while Morocco will play Scotland on Friday.