Felipe Melo slams Brazil after draw with Morocco: “There were 11 mistakes”

Brazil opened the 2026 World Cup with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco, a result that drew sharp criticism in Brazil. Former Brazil international Felipe Melo said the team was far below its usual standard and singled out coach Carlo Ancelotti for the lineup and approach.

“There's no doubt Ancelotti is one of the greatest in history, but he can't let things go on like this,” Melo said. He argued that Ancelotti picked the wrong starting XI, specifically saying Roger Ibañez should not have started. Melo added that Brazil improved after Ibañez left, saying the player is “good,” but not a fullback, and that his first match in that role should have been as a center back.

Melo also criticized Brazil’s overall organization and defensive play. “I didn't like the way Brazil played,” he said, adding that the team “cannot be immune to criticism.” In his view, Vinicius was the player who made the difference, but Morocco were clearly better. “It didn't look good, the defensive organization has to improve,” he said.

He continued: “Brazil was far below its level. In a game like this, a draw is a great result. As a fan who expected much more, they have to do much more. It can't happen that Brazil is so passive and concedes the goal it conceded. This is not Brazil, three players in the middle are simply staring at their opponents, the defense is making a mess. The team is too strong to look like this. It all started with 11 players who were a mistake.” Brazil now has one point in Group C and will face Haiti on Saturday, before closing the group stage against Scotland on Thursday.