Washington, December 5 (EFE). – Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti described Morocco as a “strong and organized” competitor after learning the opponent that the five-time world champion will have to face in the 2026 World Cup.
The draw, which was held on Thursday in Dallas, determined the groups for the first edition of the World Cup with the participation of 48 teams, with Brazil falling into Group D alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. This event marks the official start of the path towards the event, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“Morocco presented a wonderful World Cup in 2022. It is a strong and very organized team,” Ancelotti said in a press conference in Washington, hours after he learned that they would share the group with one of the semi-finalists from the previous edition held in Qatar.
The Italian coach added: “We also respect Scotland, as they are all teams that deserve to be in the World Cup (…) The World Cup has started since we qualified and now, after knowing the opponents, it is time to prepare in particular.”
Regarding Haiti, the fourth team completing the Brazil group, Ancelotti admitted, “Honestly, I don’t know much about them,” although he recalled that it was the second time they participated in the World Cup and stressed that they deserved to be faced “with respect.”
The coach added that he is not concerned about the future stadiums and stadiums in which Brazil will play in the group stage, considering that “the weather factor will not be a problem.”
Regarding preparations, Ancelotti announced that Brazil will face European powers France and Croatia in friendly matches in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The coach, who coached clubs such as Real Madrid and Milan, described these matches as a “big thermometer” to reach a clear and objective vision of the World Cup event.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first in history with 48 teams, divided into 16 groups, and an expanded calendar. The tournament will be held in 16 venues spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada, making it the most comprehensive and geographically diverse edition.
With the draw already decided, Brazil will begin a preparation process seeking to adapt to an unprecedented system and a longer journey towards the goal of lifting its sixth world title. Evie