World Cup 2026: Ex-Arsenal star Robson says Brazil player Ancelotti will not start again, calling him “really poor” and “out of depth.”

Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson has said that Brazil striker Igor Thiago is unlikely to start in the upcoming match against Haiti after his performance in the 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday, June 13, in East Rutherford.

Ismael Saibari gave the 2022 semi‑finalists the lead midway through the first half, but Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior levelled 13 minutes before the interval.

In 61 minutes of play, Thiago—who is with Premier League club Brentford—managed only one shot on target.

After a 25‑goal season with the Bees, Thiago’s FIFA World Cup debut was disappointing, leading to his substitution by head coach Carlo Ancelotti in favour of Luiz Henrique.

He told ESPN, “I don’t believe the centre‑forward will start in the next match. He performed poorly. He seemed out of his depth.”

In his four previous appearances for Ancelotti’s side, Thiago had scored twice and was chosen to start his first competitive match because of Neymar’s injury, yet he failed to leave a significant impact.

After dropping points, Brazil will face Haiti, who are making their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 52 years, on June 19 in Philadelphia. Haiti suffered a 1-0 defeat to Scotland in their opening match.

Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, expressed his dissatisfaction with his team’s “nervy” performance in the comeback 1-1 draw against reigning African champions Morocco in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Saturday.