Ronaldo backs Endrick for Brazil role after Selecao's 1-1 World Cup draw with Morocco

Brazil opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, and the fallout centred on one unused substitute: 19-year-old Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa. Speaking after the match, Brazil icon Ronaldo defended Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to keep the Real Madrid teenager on the bench and urged supporters to trust the process.

Fans had called for Endrick’s inclusion after he scored the winner against Egypt in a pre-tournament friendly, but Ronaldo explained on Resenha de Copa that an injury substitution involving midfielder Bruno Guimarães disrupted Ancelotti’s attacking plans late in the game.

“I am sure he will get his opportunity,” Ronaldo said. “He will come on at some point, but right now he is the third option in attack. There is Igor Thiago, there is Matheus Cunha, and then it’s him. I think he would have come on in the game if it weren’t for the substitution, where I think Bruno Guimarães asked to come off — that’s an important detail, because Ancelotti was definitely going for the win. But listen, he is ready — forget it, he’s ready.”

The 2002 World Cup winner was equally emphatic about the quality surrounding Endrick in the squad, noting that competition for places is fierce rather than a reflection of the teenager’s ability. “He is competing out there with other great players. He’s on par with Matheus Cunha from Manchester United, and Igor Thiago was a top scorer in England, so we are well-served right now.”

Beyond the Endrick debate, Ronaldo stressed the importance of Brazil’s next fixture in terms of goal difference, which could prove decisive in deciding who tops the group. “I think this next game will be important for everyone to gain confidence. Obviously, the victory is very important, but goal difference will be crucial in this match for first place — that will decide the top spot in the group. So we have to make the most of every single chance so we don’t end up struggling.”

Brazil face Haiti in Philadelphia in their second group game before completing their pool stage against Scotland in Miami. A convincing win over Haiti, with a healthy goal margin, is seen as critical to securing a favourable position in the knockout bracket.