Carlo Ancelotti has sounded a cautious note about Brazil's readiness after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their Group C encounter at FIFA World Cup 2026, admitting that his players were gripped by anxiety for large parts of the match.

Morocco, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, dominated the opening half and took a deserved lead before Brazil managed to regroup in the second period.

A costly early miss

The contest might have unfolded very differently had Brazil converted a chance as early as the 13th minute. Brentford striker Igor Thiago — who scored 22 goals in the 2025/26 Premier League season — was presented with a golden opportunity, yet sent his header well off target. The chance was rated at 0.52 expected goals, an extraordinary value for an open-play effort.

Morocco punished that profligacy shortly afterwards, scoring a glorious finish to carry a well-earned lead into the break.

Vinicius Jr rescues a point

Brazil's equaliser came courtesy of Vinicius Jr, who produced a moment of individual brilliance to level the contest in the second half. It was a fitting intervention from a player who has demonstrated time and again that he thrives when the stakes are highest — having scored in two UEFA Champions League finals with Real Madrid.

Yet even Vinicius was not sparing in his critique.