Carlo Ancelotti Wary Of ‘Difficult’ Morocco As Brazil Learn 2026 World Cup Fate

Carlo Ancelotti says Brazil will have to be at their sharpest at the 2026 World Cup after being drawn alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in Group C.

The draw, held on Friday, paired the five-time champions with Morocco, who stunned the football world by reaching the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022. Scotland are returning to the tournament for the first time in 28 years, while Haiti are back on the global stage after their only appearance in 1974.

“Morocco were very good during the last World Cup,” Ancelotti told Brazilian broadcaster Sportv, reflecting on a group that offers early challenges for his side. He also warned against taking anyone lightly, adding: “Scotland are a solid team, very solid, (it will be) pretty difficult.”

Brazil open their campaign against Morocco on 13 June, then face Haiti six days later before finishing with Scotland on 24 June. Ancelotti said the target is to hit the ground running and set the tone early in the tournament. “We have to prepare well and try to win the group,” he said.

The Seleção have endured an unsettled spell since Qatar and are already on their fourth coach in that period. The harshest reminder of their decline came in March, when they suffered a 4-1 defeat to reigning world champions Argentina in a qualifier.

History gives Brazil confidence. They faced both Morocco and Scotland at the 1998 World Cup, beating Morocco 3-0 and Scotland 2-1 on their way to the final, where they lost 3-0 to hosts France. Six years later, they famously beat Haiti 6-0 in Port-au-Prince with stars including Ronaldo and Ronaldinho on the pitch.