Ancelotti Criticized for Benching Endrick in Brazil vs Morocco
June 15, 2026 · Sara Márquez
Carlo Ancelotti faced criticism for leaving Endrick on the bench during Brazil's 1-1 draw against Morocco in the World Cup, despite the player's impressive form leading up to the tournament.
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Carlo Ancelotti faced significant backlash after Brazil's 1-1 draw against Morocco in the opening match of their 2026 World Cup campaign in New York. The controversy stemmed from his decision to leave promising teenage talent Endrick on the bench throughout the game. Although Brazil were the favorites, the match ended with a 1-1 draw, with Ismael Saobari and Vinicius Jr. scoring for Morocco and Brazil respectively. Despite Endrick's strong performance leading up to the tournament, with five goals and seven assists in Ligue 1, Ancelotti opted not to field the young star. The coach defended his decision by stating he focuses on team performance rather than individual players, a stance that provoked further criticism from fans who believe Endrick could have changed the game's outcome. Ancelotti's choice mirrors past decisions at Real Madrid, raising concerns among supporters about Endrick's development at the national level.
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