Ronaldo Nazário Criticises Carlo Ancelotti Over Raphinha Deployment in Brazil’s 1-1 World Cup Draw with Morocco

Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, a result that has drawn scrutiny not only from fans but from one of the country’s most celebrated former players. Ronaldo Nazário, the 49-year-old two-time World Cup winner, used his platform on ESPN Brasil’s Resenha da Copa to openly question the tactical decisions made by head coach Carlo Ancelotti during the Group stage opener.

Central to Ronaldo’s criticism was Ancelotti’s choice to position Barcelona forward Raphinha on the left wing rather than his stronger right flank. “Raphinha on the left, when he had an incredible year with Barcelona playing on the right? There were decisions that were difficult to understand,” Ronaldo stated. He did, however, acknowledge improvement as the match progressed, adding: “In the second half, things started to improve.”

The deployment decision carries added weight given the form Raphinha demonstrated throughout the 2025-26 club season. The Brazilian winger registered 21 goals and eight assists across 33 appearances for Barcelona — figures achieved despite managing a hamstring injury. While Raphinha did feature on the left flank for the Catalan side on multiple occasions, his most effective performances have consistently come from the right wing.

Beyond tactical concerns, Ronaldo offered a more measured reading of Brazil’s overall display, attributing part of the underwhelming performance to the psychological demands of a World Cup opener. “I remain very optimistic. I think [it was] the pressure of the first game, and I had already noticed that, because it was not normal to miss so many passes, especially in the first half,” he said.

Ronaldo also singled out veteran midfielder Casemiro as someone visibly affected by nerves, noting an unusual positional habit during the match. “Casemiro putting himself in a position to receive the ball with his back turned, you know? I think nervousness got in the way of the Brazilian national team,” he explained. His concerns were partially eased after watching post-match interviews: “Later, watching the interview with Ancelotti and the players, admitting this nervousness, I calmed down too. It’s normal, right? World Cup, right man? A nervousness like that in the guys, especially the newcomers.”

Brazil’s failure to win their World Cup opener is not unprecedented, but it will heighten pressure ahead of their remaining group stage fixtures. The Seleção have historically been among the tournament’s heavyweights, yet have faced increasing scrutiny in recent cycles over their ability to translate squad talent into cohesive performances on the biggest stage. Ancelotti, who took charge of the national team after a trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid, has yet to respond publicly to Ronaldo’s specific criticisms.

Morocco, meanwhile, will take confidence from the result. The Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — the first African nation ever to do so — and their ability to contain Brazil’s attacking options for large stretches of Monday’s match reinforces their status as a competitive force in the 2026 edition, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Brazil will be expected to respond in their next group fixture, with the result against Morocco leaving little margin for further dropped points if they are to advance comfortably from the group stage.