Tonight, at 9:30 PM Argentine time, Brazil is playing for much more than three points against Haiti in the 2026 World Cup. After a forgettable debut against Morocco, where they barely salvaged a 1-1 draw thanks to a stroke of genius from Vinicius Jr, the Scratch arrives with the obligation to win and convince. But the ghost of early elimination already looms over Carletto Ancelotti’s bench.
The Italian team did not have a good start. They faced Morocco and were outplayed in several stretches of the match, falling behind on the scoreboard. Only Vinicius’s magic prevented a defeat that would have been catastrophic. Now, against Haiti, the weakest team in Group C, the demand is maximum: win with authority and, in the process, regain lost confidence.
Ancelotti, who has already started moving the pieces, tested Endrick as the starting center forward in training. The 18-year-old Lyon striker would have the mission of supporting Vinicius and Raphinha, the two biggest stars of the Brazilian attack. The presence of the Brentford number nine did not fully satisfy the coach, who is looking for alternatives to improve offensive production. There is also speculation about the inclusion of Matheus Cunha, Manchester United’s number 10, to add more weight to the midfield.
The rest of the team would be similar to the one that drew with Morocco: Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and Paquetá in midfield, and a defense that must be alert to Haiti’s counterattacks. Because, although the Caribbean side are theoretically the weakest in the group, they have already shown they are not an easy team. In their debut against Scotland, they lost 1-0 but left a positive impression, with moments of dominance and clear chances to equalize. Even in history, there is a precedent that puts the Brazilians on alert: in the 1999 Caribbean Cup, Haiti beat Brazil for the only time, taking advantage of the fact that the Brazilian Confederation fielded a youth team without stars.
But the focus is not only on the match. Neymar, who is already training with the group, generates enormous expectation. His possible return to the pitch could be the boost Brazil needs to get back on track. However, Ancelotti knows he cannot be overconfident: another stumble against Haiti would be a major scandal and would jeopardize his continuity at the helm of the team.
In the stands, the pressure is palpable. The Brazilian fans, accustomed to titles, do not tolerate doubts. And the media are already beginning to wonder if Ancelotti is the right man to lead the Scratch to glory. Tonight, against Haiti, the Italian coach has the opportunity to silence the critics. Or to dig his own grave.
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