Former Arsenal midfielder, Stewart Robson has stated that Brazil striker, Igor Thiago is unlikely to be in the starting lineup against Haiti following his performance in the 1-1 draw with Morocco during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C on Saturday (June 13) in East Rutherford.
Ismael Saibari provided the surprise 2022 semi-finalists with the lead midway through the first half, but Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Junior equalized 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 favor 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 prior appearances for Ancelotti’s team, Thiago had netted twice and was chosen to start his first competitive match due to 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.
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