Danilo demands Brazil "wake-up" vs Haiti after Morocco disappointment at FIFA World Cup

Brazil opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Morocco. The African side stunned the five-time world champions when Ismael Saibari put them ahead, leaving Brazil struggling to find their rhythm during a difficult first half. A moment of quality from Vinicius Junior eventually rescued a point for Carlo Ancelotti's team.

The result increased pressure on Ancelotti, with some of his team selections coming under scrutiny. Striker Igor Thiago and right-back Roger Ibanez were among the players criticised after Brazil failed to impose themselves early in the match. Midfielders Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta also found it difficult to control proceedings before the interval.

Brazil improved after the break, with experienced players including Danilo, Fabinho and Matheus Cunha helping to steady the team. However, the performance left questions over whether Ancelotti should stick with his preferred line-up or make changes for the clash with Haiti.

Speaking ahead of Friday's match, Danilo defended the manager's approach and highlighted the importance of tactical flexibility.

"Every team has a core group of players," said Danilo. "There are six, seven or eight players who are first-team regulars and always play. There are also players who rotate depending on the match, the opposition and the strategy.

"That's how football is played these days; strategies always change according to the opposition."

Ancelotti kept his starting line-up secret until shortly before the Morocco game, and Danilo admitted some positions remain undecided for the Haiti encounter.

"Today we've probably got 80 per cent of the team sorted for Friday's match, and there are three or four players who are still up in the air," he said.

Danilo also joked about the unpredictability of coaches, saying: "Managers are a bit crazy; sometimes they make choices and decisions for which no one can find a logical explanation."

Despite the light-hearted comment, the defender made it clear that Brazil must learn from their shaky start.

"We have to be clear," Danilo said. "The best way to improve and put things right is to face up to reality and take a clear-eyed look at everything that happened.

"We need to be certain that that first half fell completely short of our capabilities and of what is expected of the Brazilian national team."

Brazil now head into their second Group C match knowing that a convincing performance against Haiti would ease concerns and strengthen their position before their final group-stage fixture against Scotland.

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