Ancelotti confirms Brazil lineup after Endrick seals win over Egypt

Brazil wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Egypt at Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field on Saturday, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti declared himself ready for the finals. The Italian confirmed he has settled on his starting eleven for the opening Group C match against Morocco on 13 June, following a smooth build-up that included a 6-2 rout of Panama. The win over the Pharaohs was secured by teenage prodigy Endrick, whose goal demonstrated why he is central to Ancelotti’s plans.\n\nEgypt, despite the defeat, drew praise from their coach Hossam Hassan, who described the fixture as a “strong and perfect test”. The seven-time African champions shocked Brazil with an early equaliser through Mostafa “Ziko”, a player Hassan identified as one of the match’s main gains. Mohamed Salah entered as a second-half substitute and immediately drew affection from the Brazilian side: Raphinha and Alisson embraced him during a break in play, a gesture repeated after the final whistle, underlining the global stature of the Liverpool forward.\n\nOff the pitch, two moments went viral. A photographer, Sam Robles, sprinted after Endrick to capture his celebration and tumbled while still taking the shot, an image that ricocheted across social media as a symbol of football’s relentless passion. Meanwhile, Egyptian supporters attempted to spell “Egypt 2026” in the stands but inadvertently arranged their placards to read “Egypt 2920”, a blunder that added levity to the build-up.\n\nViewed from North America, where the expanded 48-team tournament kicks off next week, both sides now turn to sterner tasks. Brazil, five-time champions, face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in a group that appears navigable, though Ancelotti will be wary of over-confidence. Egypt open against Belgium, another heavyweight, before facing Iran and New Zealand. Elsewhere, Portugal beat Chile 2-1 and Belgium cruised past Tunisia 5-0 in final tune-ups, though both matches were marred by red cards, a reminder of the fine margins awaiting in the tournament proper.