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Brazilian icon Ronaldo has urged fans to be patient with teenage sensation Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa following his lack of playing time during the Selecao’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. The legendary striker insisted the 19-year-old is fully prepared for the tournament but must wait his turn behind fit alternative attacking options.
Fans demand inclusion of teenagers
Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to leave the Real Madrid star on the bench sparked heavy criticism from passionate fans who felt the striker could have unblocked the Moroccan defence. Endrick recently scored a winning goal against Egypt in a warm-up friendly, leading many to believe he deserved a prominent role. However, Ronaldo fully defended the coach’s hierarchy, pointing out that an unexpected injury to midfielder Bruno Guimaraes later disrupted Brazil’s planned attacking substitutions.
Ronaldo explains the offensive hierarchy
speaking in Cup Review, The legendary 2002 World Cup winner insisted the youngster is on par with his international team-mates but must respect the team’s depth.
Ronaldo said: “I’m sure he will get his chance. At some point he will come in, but right now he is the third option in attack. There is Igor Thiago, there is Matheus Cunha and then it is him.
“I think he would have entered the game [against Morocco] If it weren’t for the substitution, where I think Bruno Guimaraes asked to leave… That is an important detail. Because Ancelotti was definitely going for victory. But listen, he’s ready, forget it, he’s ready.
“He is competing with other great players. He is on a par with Matheus Cunha of Manchester United and Igor Thiago was England’s top scorer, so we are well served at the moment.”
Goal difference becomes critical
The pressure is mounting on the South American giants to secure maximum points and build crucial momentum after their
He added: “I think the next match will be important for everyone to gain confidence. Obviously, the victory is very important, but the goal difference will be crucial in this match for first place, that will decide the first place in the group. So we have to make the most of every opportunity so as not to end up fighting.”
Crucial group matches ahead
The Selecao must quickly find their clinical edge before traveling to Philadelphia for a crucial second group stage assignment against Haiti. Ancelotti’s star-studded team will complete their initial group commitments when they take on a strong Scottish team in Miami. Securing a commanding victory over Haiti by a wide margin of goals will be absolutely crucial to Brazil’s chances of topping the group standings and securing a favorable knockout draw.
