Ancelotti urges patience with Endrick as Brazil prepare to face Haiti in World Cup Group K

Carlo Ancelotti urged patience over teenage striker Endrick on Thursday, after the 19-year-old stayed on the bench during Brazil's frustrating 1-1 World Cup draw with Morocco. The Brazil coach said Endrick will be played "at the right moment" as the Selecao prepare to face Haiti on Saturday, 20 June (kick-off 00:30 UTC), a match in which the teenager is widely expected to get his first tournament minutes.

Why it matters

Endrick arrived at the tournament with heavy expectations after a productive loan spell at Olympique Lyon that helped secure his place in Brazil's 2026 squad. How Ancelotti integrates the young forward will influence Brazil's short-term attacking options in Group K and shape Endrick's longer-term role as he develops into a potential cornerstone for the national team through the next World Cup cycle.

Ancelotti's case for patience

Asked directly whether Endrick would feature against Haiti, Ancelotti replied: "We have to play Endrick at the right moment. Let's wait a little bit. He is going to be important." The manager explained his decision to keep the teenager on the bench in the opener by pointing to the emotional weight of a World Cup debut and the mental challenges players face in tournament openers.

Ancelotti praised Endrick's psychological profile, calling him "patient" and "very mature for his age," and added that having his family close by has been important. The coach also framed Endrick as a talent who will be valuable not only at this tournament but in the next World Cup cycle, noting his own new contract to remain Brazil head coach through 2030 will allow him to oversee that development.

What happened against Morocco

Brazil's opening match ended in a 1-1 draw with Morocco. Vinicius Junior rescued a point for Brazil with a second-half equaliser, while Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced key saves to preserve the draw. Brazil's starting front three featured Lucas Paqueta, Igor Thiago and Raphinha, and Ancelotti later turned to Matheus Cunha and Luiz Henrique from the bench in an attempt to change the game; those substitutions did not produce a winning goal.

Squad competition and tactical fit

Ancelotti underlined the crowded nature of Brazil's attacking options. With Vinicius Junior and Raphinha firmly established on the wings, the central striker role is contested. The coach differentiated the profiles of his options: Matheus Cunha as a link-up player or second striker, Igor Thiago as a stronger, more aggressive target man, and Endrick as a distinct kind of talent who is neither purely a second striker nor simply a target man.

• Endrick was an unused substitute in Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco.
• Carlo Ancelotti said Endrick will be played "at the right moment" and praised his maturity.
• Vinicius Junior scored Brazil's equaliser; Yassine Bounou made important saves for Morocco.
• Ancelotti used Matheus Cunha and Luiz Henrique off the bench during the Morocco game.
• Brazil face Haiti on 20 June (kick-off 00:30 UTC) in their next Group K fixture.
• Endrick's loan at Olympique Lyon helped secure his spot in Brazil's World Cup squad.

Selection implications for Brazil vs Haiti

With the opener proving tense and emotionally charged, Ancelotti's approach suggests he will manage Endrick's minutes carefully. That could mean introducing him when Brazil need fresh attacking impetus or to exploit specific defensive weaknesses. The source reporting also indicates Endrick is widely expected to receive his first true tournament opportunity against Haiti, though Ancelotti's comments make clear the decision will be tactical and timing-dependent.

What happens next

Brazil return to Group K action against Haiti on Saturday, 20 June (kick-off 00:30 UTC). Fans and analysts will be watching whether Endrick makes his tournament debut and how Ancelotti deploys him alongside or in rotation with Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and the other forward options. How much game time Endrick receives, and in what role, will be an early indicator of Brazil's plan to balance immediate results with the long-term integration of a high-profile young talent.