Published on 6/19/2026
Brazil must restore “balance” and be “steadfast” to go far in the World Cup in 2026, as its Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Thursday, the eve of the match against Haiti, after a difficult start against Morocco (1-1) in its opening match.
The Italian said in a press conference: “We must have a balanced team. We have the possibility of playing better by making adjustments,” pointing in particular to “improving the quality of play, balance, and pressing at the right time.”
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Ancelotti added that the draw with Morocco “was not the result we were waiting for, and we were criticized, but there can be positive criticism. We are trying to fill the gaps and find solutions, and I am confident that we will succeed in that.”
He continued: “A good start in the World Cup is important, but more than striving for perfection, the team must be steadfast” in order to improve match after match.
Regarding Haiti, which is returning to the World Cup after an absence of 52 years, the Italian coach said that the team “possesses physical capabilities, is well organized with an advanced defensive block, and plays good football.”
Although the Seleção is favored to win easily against the bottom team of Group C, Ancelotti warned, saying: “We must respect their way of managing the game. In the World Cup, all teams are very motivated, and there is no match whose outcome can be known in advance.”
Ancelotti spoke about young striker Endrik, saying: “He is an exceptional talent, and Brazil will certainly benefit from his quality in this World Cup as well as in the next. He is patient and not in a rush, and has great maturity for his age.”
Gabriel.. The Morocco match “from the past”
For his part, Arsenal’s English defender Gabriel stressed that facing Haiti represents an “honor and a pleasure,” noting that the vast majority of Haitian fans support Brazil.
He added: “We know what we have to do. We know that we did not play a good first match, but what can be expected from us is that we will be very committed tomorrow and we will do our best to win.”
He continued: “It was not the match we wanted (against Morocco), but it has become a thing of the past and we have learned from it.”
Brazil won the previous three confrontations against Haiti, including a 7-1 victory in the Copa America in 2016 in the only official confrontation between them.
Gabriel said: “All matches are difficult, regardless of the opponent. There is no easy match. We cannot make any mistakes. They are a physically strong team.”
