Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has admitted he will tweak his squad for the second group-stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as his side looks to recover from a disappointing opening result.
Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that adjustments are coming ahead of Brazil’s clash with Haiti national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, June 20 (2:30 CET), following a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their first game.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference via Corriere dello Sport, Ancelotti acknowledged the team’s underwhelming performance and insisted improvements are necessary.
“The team can and must do more,” Ancelotti admitted at a pre-match press conference via Corriere dello Sport.
“We’ll make some changes, maybe bring in a fresher player. We need to improve our balance and the quality of our play. Make fewer steps wrong. We have the quality to do it, to play a fun game.
“I have no problem communicating initial training. Football has no secrets, but I prefer to tell the players first,” Ancelotti added.
“Against Morocco, the match didn’t go well and makes me a bit critical of the team. We have to find a solution. We have been working over the past few days to try to resolve the situation, and I believe we will succeed because I continue to trust that the team will be competitive in this World Cup.”
Reports from Gazzetta suggest Brazil could make up to three changes to the starting XI, although young forward Endrick is expected to remain on the bench.
Douglas Santos is tipped to replace Alex Sandro at left-back, Fabinho may come in for Casemiro in midfield, while Luiz Henrique is expected to start in place of Paquetá.
“We have to do many things well: defend with a low block, attack, exploit individual quality, be aggressive forward, lower the block, defend in our own area,” Ancelotti continued.
“Haiti is a very balanced team, with above all physical quality, well organised and with a rather clear system.
“They play good football given their characteristics. We must respect everyone because this is a World Cup and everyone is very motivated.”
A projected Brazil XI (4-2-4) for the match is: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Fabinho, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Vinícius, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique.
