Brazil’s President Sends Strong Message to Ancelotti Ahead of World Cup Match Against Morocco

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has issued a direct message to head coach Carlo Ancelotti as the national team prepares for its opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Brazilian squad is set to face Morocco in the first round of group stage matches.

The match is scheduled for early Sunday morning, marking the beginning of Brazil’s campaign in this year’s tournament, a highly anticipated event for football fans worldwide.

Lula shared a video on his official X account, reminiscing about his long history of following the Brazilian national team in World Cups since 1958, having witnessed 17 editions of the tournament. His extensive experience gives him unique insights into the nature and evolution of the competition over the years.

A Direct Message to Ancelotti

In his remarks, Lula emphasized that at this stage, it is not merely about selecting players but also about how they embrace the significance of wearing the national team jersey during a major tournament.

He pointed out that winning the World Cup goes beyond technical performance on the pitch; it requires a sense of responsibility and collective spirit among players.

Lula highlighted that the players represent all Brazilians, many of whom come from humble backgrounds and understand the immense support they have received from fans since childhood.

He urged Ancelotti to convey this message to the players: they are not just playing for themselves but for millions of Brazilians who have high hopes for them to secure the country’s sixth World Cup title.

Professor Carlo Ancelotti e jogadores da nossa querida Seleção Brasileira, o recado de hoje é para vocês.

Começou a Copa do Mundo e agora é hora de jogar com raça, vontade, entrega e espírito de equipe. Futebol se ganha dentro das quatro linhas, com concentração, dedicação,… pic.twitter.com/oRU6fvoYLF

— Lula (@LulaOficial) June 13, 2026.

Aspirations Beyond Winning

Lula further asserted that while the current squad may not be considered the best in absolute terms globally, it represents an excellent version of Brazilian football at this time. He stressed the importance of selecting players deemed suitable for their mission by coaching staff.

He called on players to blend Brazil’s renowned style of play with physical and mental resilience on the field, as these are crucial elements for achieving success in the tournament.

The President concluded his statements by reaffirming that Brazilians are eagerly awaiting a championship victory. He noted that winning the World Cup is not merely about participation; it is an authentic goal. Lula expressed confidence in Ancelotti’s ability to lead the team toward this historic achievement.