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Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson said that Brazil striker Igor Thiago is unlikely to start against Haiti after his performance in the 1-1 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C draw with Morocco on Saturday (June 13) in East Rutherford.
Ismael Saibari gave the surprise 2022 semi-finalists the lead midway through the first period before Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior restored parity 13 minutes before half-time.
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During 61 minutes of action, Thiago – who plays for Premier League side Brentford – had only one shot on target. Coming off a 25-goal campaign for the Bees, Thiago underwhelmed on his FIFA World Cup debut before he was subbed off by head coach Carlo Ancelotti for Luiz Henrique.
“I don’t think the centre-forward will start again in the next game,” Robson said on ESPN. “He was really poor. He looked out of his depth.”
In four previous appearances for Ancelotti’s side, Thiago had scored twice and was given the nod to start his first competitive game, with Neymar injured, but failed to make a lasting impression.
Following the dropped points, A. Selecao next take on Haiti – making their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 52 years – on June 19 in Philadelphia. Haiti lost 1-0 to Scotland in their first game.
“I don’t think we started well” – Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti after 2026 FIFA World Cup opener
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti was critical of his team’s ‘nervy’ performance in the come-from-behind 1-1 draw with reigning African champions Morocco in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Saturday.
The five-time champions looked largely bereft of ideas up front before a moment of individual brilliance from Vinicius Junior saved their blushes against the tournament dark horses.
“I don’t think we started the match well,” Ancelotti said (as per India Today). “The team was a bit nervous, we lost possession too often and lost too many challenges. The first half wasn’t good.
“We improved in the second half; it’s a tough match because Morocco are a good side. I think there was a bit of nervousness. In the first half they were breaking out of our press and making dangerous counter-attacks.”
Having taken over the reins of the team in May last year, Ancelotti has now overseen just two wins in five competitive games, losing one, with his team arriving in North America with three straight friendly wins.
Edited by Bhargav
