Brazil’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup may have ended in a 1-1 draw against Morocco, but much of the post-match discussion among Brazilian supporters has centred on one player who never left the bench.
Teenage forward Endrick has become the focus of growing frustration among fans after head coach Carlo Ancelotti chose not to introduce him during a contest in which Brazil struggled to impose themselves against a well-organised Moroccan side.
The result was widely viewed as a positive one for Morocco, who matched the five-time world champions and earned a deserved point in their Group C opener.
While Vinicius Junior produced a moment of brilliance to rescue Brazil with an equalising goal, many supporters felt the team’s attack lacked sharpness and creativity throughout the match.
Neither Igor Thiago nor Luiz Enrique, who entered the game in the second half, managed to convince large sections of the Brazilian fanbase that they were the answer to the team’s attacking problems.
As a result, attention quickly turned to Endrick, the highly rated 19-year-old who remained unused despite Brazil searching for greater attacking threat.
The reaction on social media was immediate.
Brazilian supporters flooded online platforms with memes and jokes aimed at Ancelotti, questioning his reluctance to hand the young striker an opportunity.
One widely shared post read: “If the glass falls, you’ll have to play Endrick,” comparing the veteran coach to a dog balancing a glass on its nose at a school fair.
Another social media user joked: “Play Endrick or eat a whole brick?”
The growing frustration reflected a belief among many supporters that Brazil needed fresh energy in attack against Morocco’s disciplined defensive structure.
The debate was amplified further by comments from a Brazilian sports journalist, who mockingly suggested that Endrick’s chances of starting remained uncertain.
“Breaking news: Ancelotti told Endrick he’ll start against Haiti. So the Brazilian attacking trio will consist of Vini Jr, Raphinha, and Ancelotti.”
The remarks highlighted the extent to which the striker’s absence had become a talking point following the draw.
From an African perspective, the discussion also underlined Morocco’s impressive display.
The Atlas Lions frustrated one of football’s traditional powerhouses and forced Brazil into an uncomfortable evening.
Morocco’s organisation, discipline and confidence limited Brazil’s attacking options and contributed to the growing calls for tactical changes ahead of the Seleção’s next match.
There may, however, be some encouragement for Endrick’s supporters.
