“Ancelotti faces criticism after leaving Endrick on the bench against Morocco.”

The controversial decision by Carlo Ancelotti to keep Endrick on the bench throughout Brazil’s opening draw against Morocco at the 2026 World Cup is igniting social media and dividing opinions behind the scenes of world football. Brazilian fans, known for their passion and high expectations, did not forgive the Italian coach for opting to forgo one of the biggest prospects in international football, especially in a game where the Seleção was desperately seeking a winning goal.

The match took place on Saturday night at the iconic stadium in New York, ending in a 1-1 draw between Brazil and Morocco. Ismael Saobari opened the scoring for the Moroccans in the 21st minute, but Vinícius Jr. responded immediately, leveling the score just ten minutes later. Despite Morocco’s historic campaign in the 2022 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals, Brazil entered the match as the clear favorite, a status they failed to translate into performance on the field. The draw felt disappointing for the most successful national team in the competition’s history, especially given their lack of offensive effectiveness displayed in the second half, precisely when many expected to see Endrick make his entrance.

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This news takes on even greater significance when considering the context of the young Brazilian talent. Endrick, just 19 years old, arrives at the World Cup with an impressive record: five goals and seven assists in 16 matches while on loan at Lyon, despite facing difficulties in establishing himself in the first team at Real Madrid under Ancelotti during the 2024-25 season. The lack of playing time at the World Cup raises serious doubts about the role the coach has in mind for the prodigy, with many fans fearing that Endrick is experiencing a déjà vu of his time in Madrid, now while representing the national team.

Questioned at a press conference about his decision not to use Endrick, Carlo Ancelotti remained steadfast and refused to go into detail: “I’m not going to comment on individual players; I’m here to talk about the team,” said the Italian coach, visibly bothered by the journalists’ insistence. The response, however, did not sit well with fans, who quickly expressed their outrage on social media.

Criticism multiplied online, with X (formerly Twitter) users showing complete incomprehension for the lack of opportunities given to the young forward. “Whenever they mention Endrick, this is the usual response; it was the same at Real Madrid. This is unfair,” wrote one fan, recalling Ancelotti’s history of choices. Another added: “Endrick would have won them that game. Vini, Endrick, and Raphinha should be the starters in attack.” Among the harsher comments, one fan’s irony stood out: “Not commenting on individual players is what coaches say when they don’t have a good answer. Endrick deserves more than silence.”

The impact of this decision could be felt in Brazil’s upcoming matches, with pressure from fans increasing on Ancelotti and the federation. The coach, known for his coolness and pragmatism, will now have to manage not only the locker room but also the rising expectations of a country that demands results and, above all, entertainment. The decision not to use Endrick not only reignites the debate over meritocracy in national team football but also raises doubts about the coach’s ability to harness emerging talents.

In the upcoming games, all eyes will be on Ancelotti and his management of the squad, especially if results do not materialize. With Endrick seen as the future of the national team, any further “oversight” could inflame tensions even more and jeopardize the Italian’s leadership. For now, Brazil begins the World Cup with a draw that feels insufficient and a controversy that promises to remain on the media radar for some time.

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