Brazil go into their second match in Group C with many questions to answer despite avoiding defeat in the opener. The 1-1 draw against Morocco reminded us that teams cannot get by on their reputation at this World Cup.
And for the first time since their quarter-final defeat to France in 2006, Brazil were out of target in a World Cup match, with 14 attempts, while managing just 12 themselves. It ended a run of 22 consecutive World Cup games in which the Seleção had enjoyed a shot advantage, underlining why Carlo Ancelotti may have to make big changes.
One area of concern is midfield, where Casemiro appeared to lack his usual authority after a long season at Manchester United. At 34, the veteran remains vital to Brazil’s balance, but against Morocco the pace of the match often seemed to get around him. Ancelotti must decide whether to continue with experience or inject new energy into the centre.
Casemiro had a difficult outing in Brazil’s opener against Morocco. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Casemiro had a difficult outing in Brazil’s opener against Morocco. | Photo credit: REUTERS
The Brazilian coach also has an intriguing attacking choice, with the emergence of Endrick having given the five-time champions a new weapon. Against a deeply defensive Haitian side, this could be the ideal opportunity to unleash the teenager from the start. Brazil lacked penetration against Morocco, and the youngsters’ direct running and instinctive finishing could provide another solution.
Brazil team preview: can Ancelotti revive Selecao’s past glory?
For Haiti, the challenge is of a different magnitude. The Caribbean nation waited 54 years to return to the World Cup after its only previous appearance in West Germany in 1974. Many believed their best chance of reaching the knockout rounds rested on getting something from the opening match against Scotland, but John McGinn’s rejected winner condemned Sébastien Migne’s side to a narrow 1-0 defeat.
Haiti team preview: The Grenadiers are ready to punch above their weight
Still, there were positive points. Defender Hannes Delcroix completed all 66 passes against Scotland, winning possession six times and scoring six goals, setting a new benchmark for a Haitian player at the World Cup.
However, the scale of the challenge remains enormous. Brazil are 78 places above Haiti in the FIFA rankings, the biggest difference between any two teams in this year’s group stage. On paper it is one of the most unequal matches of the tournament. Haiti’s job is to make sure it doesn’t feel that way on the pitch, while for Ancelotti’s Brazil a win is a must.
Published on June 18, 2026
